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Double Number 8 


THE DEERSLAYER 


BY 


J. FENIMORE COOPER 

CONDENSED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS 
WITH INTRODUCTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES 


a** 


UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING COMPANY 

NEW YORK: 43-47 E. Tenth Street 

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Single Numbers, I 2%c. Double Numbers, 20c. Yearly Subscription, $2.50 

Published semi-monthly, except July and August Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at New York, N. Y-. Dec. 28, 1895 





Modern Readers for Graded Schools. 


Davis’ Beginner’s Reading Book 
Davis’ Second Reading Book. 

Davis’ Third Reading Book. 

Davis’ Fourth Reading Book. 

These books present the ‘ ‘ Thought Method ” or “ Sentence 
Method ” of teaching reading, and are the only Readers prepared 
especially on that plan. The author is Supt. Eben H. Davis, 
of Chelsea, Mass. 


Natural Science in Simple Stories. 

Hollies’ New First Reader. 

V Holmes’ New Second Reader. 

Holmes’ New Third Reader. 

Holmes’ New Fourth Reader. 

Holmes’ New Fifth Reader. 

These books are most beautifully illustrated and wonderfully 
attractive, 'interesting facts about plant and animal life are 
woven into charming stories, well graded, and so judiciously in- 
terspersed with other reading matter as not to become monotonous. 
As leading Readers, or for supplemental reading, they are 
unsurpassed. 

UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING CO., 

NEW YORK: 

43, 45, 47 East lOth Street. 


NEW ORLEANS: 

7 1 4-7 1 6 Canal Street. 


BOSTON: 

352 Washington Street. 


' I 

STANDARD LITERATURE SERIES 




THE DEERSLAYER 



J. FENIMOHE COOPER 


CONDENSED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS. WITH AN 
INTRODUCTION AND EXPLANATORY NOTES 









NEW YORK AND NEW ORLEANS 

UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING COMPANY 


YZ> , v , 



Copyright, 1896 , by 

UNIVERSITY PUBLISHING COMPANY 


*** 1715 


C 



r 


Press of J. J. Little & Co. 
Astor Place, New York 


INTRODUCTION. 


No one knows where the Indians came from. It is generally be- 
lieved that their ancestors crossed from Asia, by way of Bering Strait, 
a great many centuries ago, and, moving southward, gradually settled 
North and South America. 

They were divided into many tribes, each governed by a chief. 
Usually the chief was elected by the warriors of his tribe, but in a few 
tribes the office descended from father to son. A careful study of the 
language of the Indians proves that they belonged to fifty-eight distinct 
families. The tribes along the Atlantic Coast, from Labrador to Pamlico 
Sound, all belonged to the Algonquian family. They included the 
Massachusets, the Narragansets, the Pequots, the Mohegans, the Dela- 
wares, the Pottawotomis, and the Powhatans. Massasoit, King Philip, 
Canonicus, and Powhatan were Algonquins. Other tribes of the Algon- 
quins extended across Canada and into the Mississippi valley as far 
south as the mouth of the Ohio. They included the Shawnees, the 
Miamis, the Illinois, and other tribes. Tecumseh was a chief of the 
Shawnees of the Algonquian family. On both sides of the St. Lawrence 
River and lakes Brie and Ontario lived the tribes belonging to another 
family called the Iroquois or Ilurons. Their lands extended southward 
through Pennsylvania to Chesapeake Bay, and they were entirely sur- 
rounded by Algonquian tribes. The Nottoways of Virginia, the Tusca- 
roras of North Carolina, and the Cherokees, a very powerful tribe 
occupying the rich valleys of the Appalachian Mountains, from James 
River southeast to the Coosa and Chattahoochee rivers, also belonged to 
the Iroquois family. The Cherokees did not know this fact, but it has 
been clearly proven by a study of the language of the two tribes. 

The tribes between the Savannah River and the Mississippi belonged 
to the Muscogean, or Mobilian family. Those west of the Mississippi 
were Sioux, Caddoes, and Shoshones. 

Frequently a tribe wandered away from the family and settled 
among strangers. An instance of this is found in the Nottoway and 
Tuscarora tribes, who wandered away from the main body of the Iroquois 
and settled among the Algonquins on the Nottoway and Cape Fear rivers. 


4 


INTRODUCTION. 


Boundary lines between the different tribes were not definitely fixed. 
Tribes of the same linguistic family were usually entirely independent 
of each other. Two notable exceptions to this are found. Among the 
Muscogeans a number of tribes were united in the Creek Confederation. 
The Iroquois were united by the famous league of the Five Nations. 
The tribes constituting the Five Nations were the Mohawks, Oneidas, 
Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas. Early in the eighteenth century the 
Tuscaroras of the South united with them, forming the Six Nations. 
A perfect union existed among these tribes, and their method of govern- 
ment might well serve, in some respects, as a model for civilized people. 
They never numbered all told more than fifteen thousand people, and 
their largest fighting force was two thousand five hundred. Yet so splen- 
did was their organization that they virtually conquered the Algonquian 
tribes, and some historians believe that if the settlement of our country 
had taken place a century later these “ Romans of the New World ” would 
have brought all the tribes north of the Gulf of Mexico under their rule. 

The first approach to a census of the Five Nations was taken in 
1660, when they numbered about eleven thousand; to-day they are more 
than fifteen thousand in number, and the tribes are widely scattered. 
Some live upon the reservation set apart for them in the State of New 
York, some in Canada, and others beyond the Mississippi. 

Nearly all of the first settlers of our country were so dishonest and 
cruel toward the Indians that the Indians became bitter enemies. They 
went upon the war path, burned cabins, tomahawked men, women, and 
children, or carried them off into a dreadful captivity. 

William Penn, who settled Pennsylvania, called the chiefs together 
and paid them for the land. They saw that the Quakers were honest, 
and the treaty of peace which they made with “Father Penn” was not 
broken for more than half a century. The Indians with whom this 
famous treaty was made were the Leni-Lenape, or Delawares. 

Naturally the Indians became involved in the early colonial wars, 
sometimes fighting on the side of the French and sometimes on that of 
the English, for those two great nations were jealous rivals in the New 
World. King William’s War lasted from 1689 to 1697. The Indians of 
Canada and Maine fought for the French, while the Iroquois helped 
the English. Many fearful outrages were committed by the red men. 

When Queen Anne’s War broke out in 1702, the Iroquois remained 
neutral, because of a treaty made some time before with the French. 
The other savages ravaged the New England frontier until 1713, when 
the war came to an end. 

The Iroquois were broken up and scattered by the French and Indian 


INTRODUCTION. 


5 


War and afterwards by the Revolution. Generally they fought on the 
side of the English against the French. They were divided during the 
Revolution, when the Mohawks, Senecas, Cayugas, and Onondagas fought 
for the English, while the Oneidas and Tuscaroras helped the Americans. 
In 1784 the Mohawks removed to Upper Canada. In the war of 1812, 
the Senecas arrayed themselves on the side of the Americans, though a 
part of the tribe in Ohio joined the English. This band removed to 
Indian Territory in 1831, but the rest of the tribe remained in New 
York. The Cayugas were so ferocious that General Sullivan destroyed 
their villages in 1779, and the British destroyed the villages of the Onei- 
das on account of the valuable aid they gave us. For this loss our gov- 
ernment made them compensation in 1794. In 1785 and 1788, this tribe 
ceded their lands to the State of New York. Later some of them went 
to Canada, while a large number in 1821 acquired lands on Green Bay, 
Wisconsin. The Onondagas in 1788 ceded all their territory to New 
York, with the exception of a small tract which they still hold. 

In Cooper’s charming “Leatherstocking Tales,” the incidents are 
mainly laid among the hunting grounds of the Iroquois, and so true are 
the scenes that they breath the very poetry of the woods. We seem to 
hear the sighing of the wind among the branches, the rustle of the falling 
leaf or the sifting of the snow against the settler’s window-pane, and to see 
the fleecy clouds drifting across the blue sky, the shimmer of the inland 
sea, and the figure of the warrior and the scout as they speed across the 
silent river in the birchen canoe or glide like shadows among the fra- 
grant trees. 

It has been said by some critics that the character of ‘ ‘ Leatherstock- 
ing,” who figures in these tales also as “ Hawkeye,” “ Trapper,” “ Path- 
finder,” or “ Deerslayer,” is equal to the best creations of Shakespeare. 
The honest scout, who amid the perils of his lonely life, moving in an 
air over which the spirit of death is forever brooding, maintains his 
noble simplicity, his child-like “faith in God, and his unswerving 
honesty. In “ The Pioneers” we see Natty Bumpo, or Leatherstocking, 
already old ; in “The Last of the Mohicans” we see him as Hawkeye, 
in the prime of his wonderful mental and physical powers ; in “The 
Prairie” he is the Trapper, past four-score, and dies in the sweet, 
calm, restful decline of old age, with the same unshakable trust in his 
Heavenly Father. It was after these master works were written, that 
the gifted author yielded to the request of many friends and wrote 
“ The Deerslayer,” in which we meet Leatherstocking as Deerslayer, a 
young man. The character is the same, and therefore consistent. 


c 


INTRODUCTION. 


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES. 

James Fenimore Cooper was born in Burlington, New Jersey, in 1789, 
the year which witnessed the inauguration of Washington as President. 
Cooper’s boyhood was spent at Cooperstown, New York, a village founded 
by his father in 1786. After studying three years at Yale, he entered the 
navy as midshipman, returning after a service of six years. His knowl- 
edge of the sea was put to good use in many of the stories he afterward 
wrote. 

** The Spy,” his first popular novel, appeared in 1821. It leaped at 
once into popular favor, and was republished in Europe in many transla- 
tions. This story, as well as “ The Pioneers,” published the next year, 
was thoroughly American, and Cooper from this time occupied as his own 
the field of wild life in America. 

His novels were full of romantic interest, and showed the public that 
American scenery and life furnished as good a foundation for fiction as 
the castles of Europe. “ The Last of the Mohicans ” (1826) is one of the 
best of the remarkable group of stories called The Leatherstocking 
Tales. Cooper was a genuine American, and to him more than any 
other author is due the increasing attention to home subjects and heroes. 

Half of Cooper’s better works were devoted to the sea, the most success- 
ful being “The Pilot” (1823) and “The Red Rover” (1827). 

“The Pathfinder” appeared in 1840, “The Deerslayer” in 1841, and 
“Afloat and Ashore” in 1844. Ris “Naval History of the United 
States ” is a series of biographies of naval officers. His last book, “The 
Ways of the Hour,” attacked the system of trial by jury somewhat after 
the style adopted later in Charles Reade’s works. 

In estimating Cooper’s genius, we must remember he was a pioneer in 
novel writing. He won high praise from such critical authorities as 
Bryant and Prescott. He surpassed in the description of Indian life and 
the narration of maritime adventures. 

His style is dramatic, pure, and scholarly. 


I 


THE DEERSLAYER 


CHAPTER I. 

THE HERO IS INTRODUCED. 

The incidents of this tale occurred between the years 1740 
and 1745, when the settled portions of the colony of New 
York were confined to the four Atlantic counties, a narrow 
belt of country on each side of the Hudson, extending from 
its mouth to the falls near its head, and to a few advanced 
“ neighborhoods ” on the Mohawk 1 and the Schoharie. 2 

In the depths of a forest of which the leafy surface lay 
bathed in the brilliant light of a cloudless day in June, while 
the trunks of the trees rose in gloomy grandeur in the shades 
beneath, voices were heard calling to each other. The calls 
were in different tones, evidently proceeding from two men 
who had lost their way, and were searching in different direc- 
tions for their path. At length a shout proclaimed success, 
and presently a man broke out of the labyrinth 3 of a small 
swamp, emerging into an opening which appeared to have 
been formed partly by the ravages 4 of the wind, and partly 
by those of fire. 

“Here is room to breathe in!” exclaimed the liberated 6 
forester, shaking his huge frame like a mastiff 6 that has just 

1 a river rising in the northwestern part hawk ; has its source in the Catskill Moun- 
of New York state, and traversing the Mo- tains. 

hawk Valley, falls into the Hudson River, 3 winding passage ; maze. 

nine -miles above Albany. The river derives 4 destruction by violence. 

its name from the Mohawk Indians who 6 released ; freed from entanglements. 

occupied the Mohawk Valley. 6 breed of large dogs noted for strength 

2 (sko-liar'ee) southern branch of the Mo- and courage. 


8 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


escaped from a snowbank; “ Hurrah, Deerslayer! here is day- 
light at last, and yonder is the lake.” 

These words were scarcely uttered when the second forester 
dashed aside the bushes of the swamp, and appeared in the 
area. After a hurried adjustment of his arms and disordered 
dress, he joined his companion, who had already begun his 
dispositions 1 for a halt. 

It would not have been easy to find a more noble specimen 2 3 
of vigorous manhood than was offered in the person of him 
who called himself Hurry Harry. His real name was Henry 
March; but the frontier-men having caught the practice of 
giving sobriquets 3 from the Indians, the appellation 4 of 
Hurry was far oftener applied to him than his proper designa- 
tion. His air 6 was free ; and though his manner necessarily 
partook of the rudeness of a border life, the grandeur that 
pervaded so noble a physique 6 prevented it from being alto- 
gether vulgar. 

Deerslayer, as Harry called his companion, was a very differ- 
ent person in appearance as well as in character. In stature, 
he stood about six feet in his moccasins , 7 but his frame was 
comparatively light and slender, showing muscles, however, 
which promised unusual agility , 8 if not unusual strength. 
His face would have had little to recommend it except youth, 
were it not for an expression that seldom failed to win upon 
those who had leisure to examine it, and to yield to the feeling 
of confidence it created. This expression was simply that of 
guileless 9 truth, sustained by an earnestness of purpose and a 
sincerity of feeling, which rendered it remarkable. 

Both these frontier-men were young, Hurry having reached 
the age of six, or eight, and twenty, while Deerslayer was sev- 
eral years his junior. Their attire needs no particular descrip- 
tion, though it may be well to add that it was composed in no 

1 arrangements. * name. 7 Indian shoes made of deerskin. 

2 sample ; model. 6 manner ; bearing. 8 easiness and rapidity of motion. 

3 (sob'ree-k&z) nicknames. 6 bodily frame. 9 free from deceit. 


THE HERO IS INTRODUCED. 


9 


small degree of dressed deer-skins, and had the usual sign of 
belonging to those who pass their time between the skirts of 
civilized society and the boundless forests. 

“ Our journey is nearly ended, you say. Master March, and 
we can part to-night, if you see occasion. I have a friend 
waiting for me, who will think it no disgrace to consort 1 with 
a fellow-creatur’ who has never yet slain his kind.” 

“ Where did you say your friend was to give you the meet- 
ing ? ’ 5 enquired Hurry, moodily. 

“ At a small round rock, near the foot of the lake, where, they 
tell me, the tribes resort to make their treaties, and to bury 
their hatchets. 2 This rock I have often heard the Delawares 
mention, though lake and rock are equally strangers to me. 
The country is claimed by both Mingos 2 and Mohicans/ and 
is a sort of common territory to fish and bunt through in time 
of peace, though what it may become in war-time no one 
hardly knows! ” 

“Common territory!” exclaimed Hurry, laughing aloud. 
“ I should like to know what Floating Tom Ilutter would 
say to that? He claims the lake as his own property, in 
vartue 6 of fifteen years’ possession, and will not be likely 
to give it up to either Mingo or Delaware without a battle 
for it.” 

“ I’ve heard the Delawares say that Tom Hutter had 
daughters. Is there no mother. Hurry? ” 

“ There was once, as in reason; but she has now been dead 
these two years.” 

“ Anan ? ” said Deerslayer, looking up at his companion in a 
little surprise. “ Judith was the name the Delawares men- 
tioned, though it was pronounced after a fashion of their own. 
Is there another bird in the same nest? ” 

“ There is Hetty Hutter. Hetty is only comely, while her 


1 associate. 4 (MO-hee'kanz) a tribe of eastern New 

2 make an end of strife ; a sign of peace. York and western Connecticut. 6 virtue. 

8 name given to the Iroquois by the Delaware Indians. 


10 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


sister is such another as is not to be found atween this and 
the sea. Judith is full of wit, and talk, and cunning, as an 
old Indian orator, while poor Hetty is what I call on the 
varge 1 of ignorance, and sometimes she stumbles on one side 
of the line, and sometimes on t’other.” 

After a little more conversation, the remnants 2 of the meal 
they had been eating were soon collected; then the travelers 
shouldered their packs, resumed their arms, and quitting the 
little area of light, they again plunged into the deep shadows 
of the forest. 

“Ha!” said Deerslayer, “there’s what you wish to find, 
after all! ” Both men gave all their attention to the object 
immediately before them. Deerslayer pointed out to his com- 
panion the trunk of a huge linden, or bass-wood, as it is 
termed in the language of the country, which had filled its 
time, and fallen by its own weight. This tree, like many mill- 
ions of its brethren, lay where it had fallen, and was mould- 
ering under the slow but certain influences of the seasons. 
The decay, however, had attacked its center, even while it 
stood erect in the pride of vegetation , 3 hollowing out its heart, 
as disease sometimes destroys the vitals of animal life, even 
while a fair exterior is presented to the observer. As the 
trunk lay stretched for near a hundred feet along the earth, 
the quick eye of the hunter detected this peculiarity , 4 and, 
from this and other circumstances, he knew it to be the tree 
of which March was in search. 

“Ay, here we have what we want,” cried Hurry; “every- 
thing is as snug as if it had been left in an old woman’s cup- 
board. Come, lend me a hand, Deerslayer, and we’ll be afloat 
in half an hour.” 

At this call, the hunter joined his companion, and the two 
went to work deliberately & and regularly, like men accustomed 
to the sort of thing in which they were employed. In the first 


1 border. 

2 little bits remaining. 


3 plant growth. 


4 special and distinctive habit. 
6 with careful consideration. 


THE HERO IS INTRODUCED. 


11 


place, Hurry removed some pieces of bark which lay before the 
large opening in the tree, and which the other declared to be 
disposed in such a way that would have been more likely to 
attract attention than to conceal the cover, had any straggler 
passed that way. The two then drew out a bark canoe, con- 
taining its seats, paddles, and other appliances , 1 even to fish- 
ing-lines and rods. 

“Lead ahead, Deerslayer,” said March, “and open the 
bushes; the rest I can do for myself.” 

The other obeyed, and the men left the spot, Deerslayer 
clearing the way for his companion, and inclining to the right 
or to the left, as the latter directed. In about ten minutes, 
they both broke forth suddenly into the brilliant light of the 
sun, on a low gravelly point. 

“This is grand! — ’tie solemn! — ’tis an edication 3 of itself 
to look upon! ” exclaimed Deerslayer, as he stood leaning on 
his rifle, and gazing to the right and left, north and south, 
above and beneath, in whichever direction his eye could wander; 
“ not a tree disturbed even by a redskin hand, as I can dis- 
cover, but everything left in the ordering of the Lord, to live 
and die according to his own designs and laws! Hurry, your 
Judith ought to be a moral and well-disposed young woman, 
if she has passed half the time you mention in the midst of 
a spot so favored.” 

“That’s naked truth; yet the girl has the vagaries . 3 All 
her time has not been passed here. But the canoe is ready, 
and fifteen minutes will carry two such paddles as your’n and 
mine to the castle.” 

At this suggestion Deerslayer helped his companion to 
place the different articles in the canoe, which was already 
afloat. This was no sooner done than the two frontier-men 
embarked, and, by a vigorous push, sent the light bark some 
eight or ten rods from the shore. 

1 things used as means of doing. 3 (va-gjt'riz) unreasoning fancies ; ecccn- 

a (education) cultivation of one’s faculties, tricities. 


12 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


Both now pulled vigorously until they got within a hun- 
dred yards of the “castle,” as Hurry familiarly called the 
house of Hutter, when they ceased paddling; the admirer of 
Judith restraining his impatience the more readily, as he per- 
ceived that the building was untenanted at the moment. This 
pause was to enable Heerslayer to survey the singular edifice , 1 
which was of a construction so novel as to merit a particular 
description. 

Muskrat Castle, as the house had been named by some wag- 
gish 2 officer, stood in the open lake, at a distance of fully a 
quarter of a mile from the nearest shore. On every other side 
the water extended much further, the precise position being 
distant two miles from the northern end of the sheet, and near, 
if not quite, a mile from its eastern shore. As there was not 
the smallest appearance of an island (the house stood on piles, 
with the water flowing beneath it), and as Deerslayer had 
already discovered the lake was of great depth, he was fain to 
ask an explanation of this singular circumstance. Hurry 
solved the difficulty by telling him that on this spot alone, a 
long, narrow shoal, which extended for a few hundred yards in 
a north and south direction, rose within six or eight feet of 
the surface of the lake, and that Hutter had driven piles into 
it, and placed his habitation on them, for the purpose of 
security. 

The canoe had been gradually drawing nearer to the 4 4 castle, ” 
and was now so close as to require but a single stroke of a 
paddle to reach the landing. This was at a floored platform in 
front of the entrance, that might have been some twenty feet 
square. 

44 Old Tom calls this sort of a wharf his door-yard,” ob- 
served Hurry, as he fastened the canoe, after he and his com- 
panion had left it. 

While Hurry was bustling about the door-yard examining 
the fishing-spears, rods, nets, and other similar appliances of a 

1 building. 


3 humorous. 


THE HERO IS INTRODUCED. 


13 


frontier cabin, Deerslayer, whose manner was altogether more 
rebuked and quiet, entered the building, with a curiosity that 
was not usually exhibited by one so long trained in Indian 
habits. The interior of the castle was as faultlessly neat as its 
exterior was novel. The entire space, some twenty feet by 
* forty, was subdivided into several small sleeping-rooms; the 
apartment into which he first entered serving equally for the 
ordinary uses of its inmates and for a kitchen. The furni- 
ture was of the strange mixture that it is not uncommon to find 
in the remotely 1 situated log- tenements of the interior. Most 
of it was rude, and, to the last degree, rustic ; 2 but there 
was a clock, with a handsome case of dark wood, in a corner, 
and two or three chairs, with a table and bureau, that had 
evidently come from some dwelling of more than usual pre- 
tension. The clock was industriously ticking, but its leaden- 
looking hands did no discredit to their dull aspect, for they 
pointed to the hour of eleven, though the sun plainly showed 
it was some time past the turn of the day. There was also a 
dark massive 3 chest. The kitchen utensils 4 * were of the sim- 
plest kind, and far from numerous, but every article was in 
its place, and showed the nicest care in its condition. 

After Deerslayer had cast a look about him in the outer 
room, he raised a wooden latch, and entered a narrow passage 
that divided the inner end of the house into two equal parts. 
Frontier usages being no way scrupulous , 6 and his curiosity be- 
ing strongly excited, the young man opened a door, and found 
himself in a bedroom. A single glance sufficed^ to show that 
the apartment belonged to females. The bed was of the 
feathers of wild geese, and filled nearly to overflowing; but 
it lay in a rude bunk, raised only a foot from the floor. On 
one side of it were arranged, on pegs, various dresses of a 
quality superior to what one would expect to meet iu such a 


1 at a distance. 

2 plain ; coarse. 

3 large and heavy. 


4 things used— vessels, etc. 

6 hesitating to act for fear of doing wrong. 


14 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


place, with ribbons, and other similar articles to correspond. 
Even the pillow, on this side of the bed, was covered with 
finer linen than its companion, and it was ornamented with a 
small ruffle. A cap, coquettishly 1 decorated with ribbons, 
hung above it, and a pair of long gloves, such as were rarely 
used in those days by persons of the laboring classes, were 
pinned ostentatiously 2 to it, as if with an intention to exhibit 
them there, if they could not be shown on the owner’s arms. 

All this Deerslayer saw and noted with a degree of minute- 
ness that would have done credit to the habitual observation 
of his friends, the Delawares. Nor did he fail to perceive the 
distinction that existed between the appearances on the differ- 
ent sides of the bed, the head of which stood against the 
wall. On that opposite to the one just described, everything 
was homely and uninviting, except through its perfect neat- 
ness. The few garments which were hanging from the pegs 
were of the coarsest materials and commonest forms, while 
nothing seemed made for show. Of ribbons there was not 
one; nor was there either cap or kerchief beyond those which 
Hutter’s daughters might be fairly entitled to wear. 

The sight brought back to his mind a rush of childish rec- 
ollections; and he lingered in the room with a tenderness of 
feeling to which he had long been a stranger. He bethought 
him of his mother, whose homely vestments 3 he remem- 
bered to have seen hanging on pegs, like those which he felt 
must belong to Hetty Hutter; and he bethought himself of 
a sister, whose incipient 4 and native taste for finery had exhib- 
ited itself somewhat in the manner of that of Judith, though 
necessarily in a less degree. These little resemblances opened 
a long-hidden vein of sensations ; 6 and as he quitted the room, 
it was with a saddened mien. 8 He looked no further, but 
returned slowly and thoughtfully toward the “door-yard.” 

“ Old Tom has taken a new calling, and has been trying 


1 in a manner to attract admiration. 

2 so as to make a show. 


3 garments. 

4 beginning. 


6 feelings. 

6 countenance. 


THE HERO IS INTRODUCED. 


15 


his hand at the traps,” cried Hurry, who had been coolly 
examining the borderer’s implements; “if that is his humor, 
and you’re disposed to remain in these parts, we can make 
an oncbmmon comfortable season of it; for, while the old 
man and I out-knowledge the beaver, you can fish and knock 
down the deer, to keep body and soul together.” 

“ Thank’ee, Hurry; thank’ee, with all my heart — but I do 
a little beavering for myself, as occasions offer. ’Tis true the 
Delawares call me Deerslayer, but it’s not so much because I 
kill so many bucks and does, as that I’ve never yet taken the 
life of a fellow-creatur’. They say that their traditions 1 do 
not tell of another who has shed so much blood of animals 
that had not shed the blood of man.” 

“I hope they don’t account you chicken-hearted, lad? A 
faint-hearted man is like a no-tailed beaver.” 

“I don’t believe. Hurry, that they account me as out-of- 
the-way timorsome , 3 even though they may not account me 
as out-of-the-way brave. But I’m not quarrelsome, and that 
goes a great way toward keeping blood off the hands among 
the hunters and redskins, and then, Henry March, it keeps 
blood off the conscience, too.” 

“ Well, for my part, I account game, a redskin and a 
Frenchman as pretty much the same thing; though I’m as 
onquarrelsome a man, too, as there is in all the colonies. I 
despise a quarreller as I do a cur dog; but one has no need 
to be overscruplesome when it’s the right time to show the 
flint.” 3 

“ I look upon him as the most of a man who acts the nearest 
right, Hurry. But this is a glorious spot, and my eyes are 
never a- weary looking at it! ” 


1 unwritten accounts. 


2 (timorous) afraid. 


8 hardihood ; fighting quality. 


16 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 

Hurry Harry thought more of the beauties of Judith 
Hutter than of those of the Glimmerglass, the name by which 
the lake was known, and its surrounding scenery. As soon as 
he had taken a sufficiently intimate survey of Floating Tom’s 
implements he summoned his companion to the canoe, that 
they might go down the lake in quest 1 of the family. Pre- 
vious to embarking, however, Hurry carefully examined the 
whole of the northern end of the water with an indifferent 2 
ship’s glass, which formed part of Hutter’s effects . 3 In this 
scrutiny 4 no part of the shore was overlooked ; the hays and 
points, in particular, being subjected to a closer inquiry than 
the rest of the wooded boundary. 

“ ’Tis as I thought,” said Hurry, laying aside the glass; 
“ the old fellow is drifting about the south end this fine 
weather, and has left the castle to defend itself. Well, now 
that we know that he is not up this-a-way, ’twill be but a small 
matter to paddle down and hunt him up in his hiding-place.” 

As they went paddling down the lake, Deerslayer noticed 
that along the whole length the smaller trees overhung the 
water with their branches often dipping into the transparent 5 
element . 6 The banks were steep, even from the narrow 
strand; and, as vegetation invariably struggles towards the 
light, the effect was precisely that at which the lover of the 
picturesque 7 would have aimed. The points and bays were 
sufficiently numerous to render the outline broken and diver- 
sified . 8 As the canoe had kept close along the western side of 

1 search. 3 of common quality. 6 water, one of the so-called four elc- 

3 belongings. 4 careful search. ments : air, earth, fire, and water. 

6 clear ; which may be seen through. 7 whatever forms a pleasing picture. 

8 distinguished by various forms. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


17 


the lake, with a view to reconnoitring 1 for enemies before 
they trusted themselves too openly in sight, the expectations 
of the two adventurers were kept constantly on the stretch, 
as neither could foretell what the next turning of a point 
would reveal. 

As they proceeded. Hurry explained that there was a shal- 
low bay, formed by a long, low point, which had gotten the 
name of 4 ‘ Rat’s Cove,” from its being a favorite haunt of the 
muskrat, and which offered so complete a cover for the “ ark,” 
that its owner was fond of lying in it whenever he found it 
convenient. 

The point, instead of thrusting itself forward like all the 
others, ran in a line with the main shore of the lake, which 
here swept within it in a deep and retired bay, circling round 
south again at the distance of a quarter of a mile, and crossed 
the valley, forming the southern termination 2 of the water. 
The canoe completely doubled the point, so as to enable the 
two travellers to command a view of the whole cove, or bay, 
for it was more properly the latter, and no object, hut those 
which nature had placed there, became visible. 

The motion of the canoe had been attended with little or no 
noise, the frontier-men habitually getting accustomed to cau- 
tion in most of their movements, and it now lay on the glassy 
water appearing to float in air, partaking of the breathing 
stillness which seemed to pervade the entire scene. At this 
instant a dry stick was heard cracking on the narrow strip of 
land that concealed the bay from the open lake. Both the 
adventurers started, and each extended a hand towards his rifle, 
the weapon never being out of reach of the arm. 

“Put your paddle in the water,” said Deerslayer, “and 
send the canoe into that log; I’ll land, and cut off the crea- 
tur’s retreat up the p’int, be it Mingo, or be it only a musk- 
rat.” 

As Hurry complied, Deerslayer was soon on the shore, 

1 examining or surveying by the eye. 

2 


2 end. 


18 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


advancing into the thicket with a moccasined foot, and a cau- 
tion that prevented the least noise. Just as he reached the 
centre of the thicket, the dried twigs cracked again, and the 
noise was repeated at short intervals, as if some creature 
having life walked slowly towards the point. Hurry heard 
the sounds also, and, pushing the canoe olf into the bay, he 
seized his rifle to watch the result. A breathless minute suc- 
ceeded, after which a noble buck walked out of the thicket, 
proceeded to the extremity of the point, and began to slake 
his thirst from the water of the lake. Hurry hesitated an 
instant; then raising his rifle hastily to his shoulder, he took 
sight and fired. The report of the weapon had the usual 
sharp, short sound of the rifle; but it reached the rocks of the 
opposite mountain, where the vibrations 1 accumulated , 2 and 
were rolled from cavity to cavity for miles along the hills, 
seeming to awaken the sleeping thunder of the woods. The 
buck merely shook his head at the report of the rifle and the 
whistling of the bullet; but the echoes of the hills awakened 
his distrust, and, leaping forward, with his four legs drawn 
under his body, he fell at once into deep water, and began to 
swim towards the foot of the lake. Hurry shouted, and dashed 
forward in chase, and for one or two minutes the water 
foamed around pursuer and pursued. The former was dash- 
ing past the point when Deerslayer appeared on the sand and 
signed 3 to him to return. 

“JTwas inconsiderate to pull a trigger afore we had recon- 
n’itred the shore, and made sartain that no inimies harbored 
near it,” said the latter, as his companion slowly and reluc- 
tantly 4 complied. “ This much I have l’arned from the Dela- 
wares, in the way of schooling and traditions, even though 
I’ve never yet been on a warpath. I do not think the inimy 
can have found their way into these hills yet, for I don’t 
kno\y what they are to gain by it; but all the Delawares tell 
me that as courage is a warrior’s first vartue, so is prudence 

1 tremulous sounds. 2 gathered together. 3 motioned. * not willingly. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


19 


his second. One such call from the mountains is enough to 
let a whole tribe into the secret of our arrival. ” 

“If it does no other good it will warn Old Tom to put the 
pot over, and let him know visitors are at hand. Come, lad; 
get into the canoe, and we will hunt the ark up while there is 
yet day.” 

Deerslayer complied, and the canoe left the spot. Its head 
was turned diagonally 1 across the lake, pointing towards the 
southeastern curvature 8 of the sheet. In that direction, the 
distance to the shore, or to the termination of the lake, on the 
course the two were now steering, was not quite a mile, and 
their progress being always swift it was fast lessening under 
the skilful but easy sweeps of the paddles. They were soon 
quite near the place that March had pointed out for the 
position of the outlet, and both began to look for it with 
a curiosity that was increased by the expectation of finding 
the ark. 

“Here is the river, Deerslayer,” said Hurry, “though so 
shut in by trees and bushes as to look more like an and-bush 3 
than the outlet of such a sheet as the Glimmerglass.” 

Hurry had not badly described the place, which did truly 
seem to be a stream lying in ambush. The high banks might 
have been a hundred feet asunder; but, on the western side, a 
small bit of lowland extended so far forward as to diminish 
the breadth of the stream to half that width. As the bushes 
hung in the water beneath, the eye, at a little distance, could 
not' easily detect an opening in the shore to mark the egress 4 
of the water. In the forest above, no traces of this outlet 
were to be seen from the lake, the whole presenting the same 
connected and seemingly interminable 5 carpet of leaves. As 
the canoe slowly advanced, sucked in by the current, it 
entered beneath an arch of trees, through which the light 
from the heavens struggled by casual openings, faintly reliev- 


1 slantingly. 8 (ambush) concealed place where an enemy lies hid. 

2 bend. 


* passage out. 
8 without end. 


20 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


ing the gloom beneath. Turn after turn was passed, and the 
canoe had dropped down with the current some little distance, 
when Hurry caught a bush and arrested its movement, so sud- 
denly and silently as to denote some unusual motive for the act. 
Deerslayer laid his hand on the stock of his rifle as soon as he 
had noted this proceeding; but it was quite as much with a 
hunter’s habit, as from any feeling of alarm. 

“ There the old fellow is! ” whispered Hurry, pointing with 
a finger, and laughing heartily, though he avoided making a 
noise, “ratting it away, just as I supposed; up to his knees 
in mud and water, looking to the traps and the bait. But, for 
the life of me, I can see nothing of the ark; though I’ll bet 
every skin I take this season, Jude isn’t trusting her pretty 
little feet in the neighborhood of that black mud. The gal’s 
more likely to be braiding her hair by the side of some spring, 
where she can see her own good looks, and collecting scornful 
feelings ag’in us men.” 

“You overjudge young women; yes, you do. Hurry. I 
dare say this Judith, now, is no such admirer of herself, and 
no such scorner of our sex as you seem to think ; and that she is 
quite as likely to be sarving her father in the house, wherever 
that may be, as he is to be sarving her among the traps. ’ ’ 

“ It’s a pleasure to hear truth from a man’s tongue, if it be 
only once in a girl’s life,” cried a pleasant, rich, and yet soft 
female voice, so near the canoe as to make the listeners start. 
“As for you. Master Hurry, fair words are so apt to choke 
you, that I no longer expect to hear them from your mouth.” 

As this was said, a singularly handsome and youthful female 
face was thrust through an opening in the leaves within reach 
of Deerslayer’s paddle. Its owner smiled graciously on the 
young man; and the frown that she cast on Hurry, though 
simulated 1 and pettish, had the effect to render her beauty 
more striking by exhibiting the play of an expressive but 
capricious 2 countenance; one that seemed to change from the 

1 feigned ; counterfeited. 2 governed by whim or fancy. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


21 


soft to the severe, the mirthful to the reproving, with facility 1 
and indifference. 

Unwittingly 2 the men had dropped alongside of the ark 
(a large float or scow with a low fabric in its centre), which 
had been purposely concealed in bushes, cut and arranged for 
the purpose. Judith Hutter had merely pushed aside the 
leaves that lay before a window in order to show her face and 
speak to them. 

The discovery of the ark produced very different effects 
upon our two adventurers. As soon as the canoe could he got 
round to the proper opening. Hurry leaped on board, and in 
a minute was closely engaged in a gay discourse with Judith. 
Not so with Deerslayer. He entered the ark with slow and 
cautious step, examining every arrangement of the cover with 
curious and scrutinizing 3 eyes. Frontier usages admitting of 
familiarity, he passed through the rooms as he had previously 
done at the castle, and, opening a door, issued into the end of 
the scow opposite to that where he had left Hurry and Judith. 
Here he found the other sister, employed at some coarse 
needle- work, seated beneath the leafy canopy 4 of the cover. 

As Deerslayer’s examination was by this time ended, he 
dropped the butt of his rifle, and, leaning on the barrel with 
both hands, he turned towards the girl with an interest the 
singular beauty of her sister had not awakened. Hetty was 
considered to have less intellect than ordinarily falls to the 
share of human beings; and his education among Indians had 
taught him to treat those who were thus afflicted by Provi- 
dence with more than common tenderness. An idiot she 
could not properly be termed, her mind being just enough 
enfeebled to lose most of those traits that are connected with 
the more artful qualities, and to retain its ingenuousness 5 and 
love of truth. Her person was agreeable, having a strong 
resemblance to that of her sister, of which it was a subdued 
and humble copy. 

1 ease. 8 without knowing. 3 examining closely. * overhanging foliage. 5 frankness. 


22 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“Yon are Hetty Hutter,” said Deerslayer, in a way one puts 
a question unconsciously to liimself, assuming a ^indness of 
tone and manner singularly adapted to win the confidence of 
her addressed. “ Hurry Harry has told me of you, and I know 
you must be the child.” 

“Yes, I’m Hetty Hutter,” returned the girl, in a low 
sweet voice, which nature, aided by some education, had 
preserved from vulgarity of tone and utterance. “What’s 
your name? Tell me all your names; I want to know what 
to think of you.” 

“ Well, sartain; I’ve no objection, and you shall hear them 
all. In the first place, then, I’m Christian, and white-born. 
My father was called Bumppo; and I was named after him, 
of course, the given name being Nathaniel, or Natty as most 
people saw fit to tarm it. I did not go by this name very long ; 
for the Delawares soon found out, or thought they found out, 
that I was not given to lying,, and they called me, firstly. 
Straight-tongue. ” 

“ That’s a good name, ” interrupted Hetty, earnestly, and in a 
positive manner; “ don’t tell me there’s no virtue in names! ” 

“After a while they found out that I was quick of foot, 
and then they called me ‘ The Pigeon; ’ which, you know, has 
a swift wing, and flies in a direct line.” 

“ That was a pretty name,” exclaimed Hetty; “pigeons are 
pretty birds.” 

“ Most things that God has created are pretty in their way, 
my good gal, though they become deformed by mankind, so as 
to change their natur’s, as well as their appearance. From 
carrying messages and striking blind trails, I got at last to 
following the hunters, when it was thought I was quicker 
and surer at finding the game than most lads, and then they 
called me the 4 Lap-ear ; ’ as, they said, I partook of the saga- 
city 1 of a hound.” 

“That’s not so pretty,” answered Hetty; “I hope you 
didn’t keep that name long.” 

1 wisdom. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


23 


“Not after I was rich enough to buy a rifle,” returned the 
other, betraying a little pride through his usually quiet and 
subdued manner ; “ then it was seen I could keep a wigwam 1 
in venison; and in time I got the name of * Deerslayer,' 
which is that I now bear ; homely as some will think it, who 
^ set more valie 2 on the scalp of a fellow-mortal than on the 
horns of a buck.” 

“ Well^ Deerslayer, I'm not one of them,” answered Hetty, 
simply ; “ I like your calling ; and your last name is a very 
good one — better than Natty Bumppo.” 

An interruption was put to the gallantry 3 of Hurry, the’co- 
quetry 4 of Judith, the thoughts of Deerslayer, and the gentle 
feelings of Hetty, by the sudden appearance of the canoe 
of the ark's owner in the narrow opening among the bushes, 
which served as a sort of moat 5 to his position. It would 
seem that Hutter, or Floating Tom, as he was familiarly 
called by all the trappers and hunters who knew his habits, 
recognized the canoe of Hurry, for he expressed no sur- 
j>rise at finding him in the scow. On the contrary, his 
reception was such as to denote not only gratification, but 
pleasure, mingled with a little disappointment at his not 
having made his appearance some days sooner. 

“ I look'd for you last week,” said he, in a half-grumbling, 
half-welcoming manner; “and was disappointed uncom- 
monly that you didn't arrive. There came a rumor through, 
to warn all the trappers and hunters that the Colony and the 
Canadas were again in trouble ; and I felt lonesome, up in 
these mountains, with three scalps to see to, and only one 
pair of hands to protect them.” 

“That's reasonable,” returned March ; “and 'twas feeling 
like a parent. No doubt, if I had two such darters 6 as 
Judith and Hetty, my exper'ence would tell the same story, 

1 Indian hut or tent. 4 attempt to attract notice for the grati- 

2 (value) price, worth. fication of vanity. 

3 civility, polite attention to ’ladies. 5 ditch filled with water about a castle. 

6 daughters. 


24 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


though, in gin’ral, I am just as well satisfied with having 
the nearest neighbor fifty miles off as when he is within 
call.” 

“ Notwithstanding, you didn’t choose to come into the wil- 
derness alone, now you knew that the Canada savages are 
likely to be stirring,” returned Hutter, giving a sort of a dis- 
trustful, and, at the same time, inquiring glance at Deer- 
slayer. 

“ Why should I? They say a bad companion on a journey 
helps to shorten the path ; and this young man I count to be 
a reasonably good one. This is Deerslayer, a noted hunter 
and Christian-born and Christian-edicated, too, like you and 
me. Should we have occasion to defend our traps and the 
territory, he’ll be useful in feeding us all ; for he’s a reg’lar 
dealer in ven’son.” 

“ Young man, you are welcome,” growled Tom, thrusting 
a hard, bony hand towards the youth as a pledge of his sin- 
cerity ; 1 “In such times a white-face is a friend’s, and I 
count on you as a support. Children sometimes make a stout 
heart feeble, and these two daughters of mine give me more 
concern than all my traps, and skins, and rights in the coun- 
try. There are savages on the lake-shore already, and no 
man can say how near to us they may be at this very moment, 
or when we may hear more from them ! ” 

“ If this be true. Master Hutter,” said Hurry, whose change 
of countenance denoted how serious he deemed 2 the informa- 
tion, “if this be true, your ark is in a most unfortunate 
position ; for, though the cover did deceive Deerslayer and 
myself, it would hardly be overlooked by a full-blooded In- 
dian, who was out seriously in s’arch of scalps !” 

“ I think as you do. Hurry, and wish, with all my heart, 
we lay atiywhere else, at this moment, than in this narrow, 
crooked stream, which has many advantages to hide in, but 
which is almost fatal to them that are discovered.” 


1 freedom from deceit. 


2 considered. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


25 


“ Are you sartain, Master Hutter, that the red-skins you 
dread are ra'al Canadas ? " asked Deerslayer, in a modest but 
earnest manner. “ Have you seen any ; and can you describe 
their paint ? " 

“ I have fallen in with the signs of their being in the 
neighborhood, but have seen none of 'em. I was down 
stream a mile or so, looking to my traps, when I struck a 
fresh trail, crossing the corner of a swamp and moving 
northward. The man had not passed an hour ; and I know'd 
it for an Indian footstep by the size of the foot and the intoe, 
even before I found a worn moccasin, which its owner had 
dropped as useless." 

“ That doesn't look much like a red-skin on the war-path," 
returned the other, shaking his head. “ An exper'enced war- 
rior at least, would have burned, or buried, or sunk in the 
river, such signs of his passage ; and your trail is quite likely 
a peaceable trail. But the moccasin may greatly relieve my 
mind if you bethought you of bringing it off. I've come 
here to meet a young chief, myself ; and his course would be 
much in the direction you've mentioned. The trail may 
have been his'n." 

“ Hurry Harry, you're well acquainted with this young 
man, I hope, who has meetings with savages in a part of the 
country where he has never been before ? " demanded Hutter 
in a tone and manner which sufficiently indicated 1 the motive 
of the question. “ Treachery is an Indian virtue ; and the 
whites, that live much in their tribes, soon catch their ways 
and practices." 

“True — true as Gospel, Old Tom; but not personable to 
Deerslayer, who's a young man of truth, if he has no other 
ricommend. I'll answer for his honesty, whatever I may do 
for his valor 2 in battle." 

“ I should like to know his errand in this strange quarter 
of the country." 


i showed. 


2 bravery. 


26 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“That is soon told. Master Hutter,” said the young man. 
“ 1 think, moreover, you’ve a right to ask it. The father of 
two such darters, who occupies the lake after your fashion, 
has just the same right to inquire into a stranger’s business 
in his neighborhood, as the Colony would have to demand 
the reason why the Frenchers put more rijiments than com- 
mon along the lines.” 

“If such is your way of thinking, friend, let me hear your 
story without more words.” 

“ ’Tis soon told, and shall be honestly told. I’m a young 
man, and, as yet, have never been on a war-path ; but no 
sooner did the news come among the Delawares, that a wam- 
pum and a hatchet were about to be sent into the tribe, than 
they wished me to go out among the people of my own color, 
and get the exact state of things for them. This I did ; and 
after delivering my talk to the chiefs, on my return I met an 
officer of the crown on the Schoharie, who had moneys to 
send to some of the friendly tribes that live farther west. 
This was thought a good occasion for Chingachgook, a young 
chief who has never struck a foe, and myself, to go on our 
first war-path in company ; and an app’intment was made for 
us, by an old Delaware, to meet at the rock near the foot of 
this lake. I’ll not deny that Chingachgook has another ob- 
ject in view ; but it has no consarn with any here, and is his 
secret and not mine ; therefore I’ll say no more about it.” 

“ You think the trail I saw may have been that of your 
friend, ahead of his time ? ” said Hutter. 

“ That’s my idea. If I saw the moccasin, however, I could 
tell in a minute, whether it was made in the Delaware fashion 
or not.” 

“Here it is, then,” said the quick-witted Judith. 

“That’s not Delaware-made,” returned Deerslayer; “I’m 
too young on a war-path to be positive, but, I should say, 
that moccasin has a northern look, and comes from beyond 
the great lakes.” 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


27 


“If such is the case, we ought not to lie here a minute 
longer than is necessary,” said Hutter. “It wants but an 
hour or so of night, and to move in the dark will be impossi- 
ble, without making a noise that would betray us.” 

“What should we gain. Master Hutter, by changing the 
position ? ” asked Deerslayer, with a good deal of earnestness ; 
“this is safe cover ; and a stout defense might be made from 
the inside of this cabin. It seems to me we might beat off 
twenty Mingos with palisades 1 like them afore us.” 

“ Did you ever see as broad a sheet of water as this about 
us, before you came in upon it with Hurry?” 

“ I can’t say that I ever did,” Deerslayer answered, mod- 
estly. 

“Well then, I’ll teach you the advantage of taking to the 
open lake. Here, you may see, the savages will know where 
to aim every shot ; while we should have nothing but a forest 
to aim at. We are not safe from fire here ; the bark of this 
roof being little better than so much kindling-wood. The 
castle, too, might be entered and ransacked in my absence, 
and all my possessions overrun and destroyed. Once in the 
lake, we can be attacked only in boats, or on rafts — shall 
have a fair chance with the enemy — and can protect the 
castle with the ark.” 

“Well, Old Tom,” cried Hurry, “'if we are to move, the 
sooner we make a beginning the sooner we shall know whether 
we are to have our scalps for nightcaps or not.” 

The three men, after a short preliminary 2 explanation, now 
set about their preparations to move the ark in earnest. The 
slight fastenings were quickly loosened ; and, by hauling on 
the line, the heavy craft slowly emerged 3 from the cover and 
the ark passed steadily ahead, the great breadth of the scow 
preventing its sinking into the water and thus offering much 
resistance to the progress of the swift element beneath its 
bottom. When the ark reached the first bend in the Susque- 


1 strong stakes forming a barrier. 


2 introductory. 


3 issued ; came into view. 


28 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


hannah, and the eye caught a glimpse of the broader expanse 
of the lake, all felt a relief that perhaps none would have 
been willing to confess. 

“ Thank God!” ejaculated Hurry, “ there is daylight, and 
we shall soon have a chance of seeing our inimies, if we are 
to feel ’em.” 

“ That is more than you or any man can say,” growled Hut- 
ter. “ There is no spot so likely to harbor a party as the 
shore around the outlet ; and the moment we clear these trees 
and get into open water, will be the most trying time, since it 
will leave the enemy a cover, while it puts us out of one. 
Judith, do you and Hetty go within the cabin ; and be mind- 
ful not to show your faces at a window. And now. Hurry, 
we’ll step into this outer room ourselves, and haul through the 
door, where we shall all be safe, from a surprise, at least. 
Friend Deerslayer, as the current is lighter, and the line has 
all the strain on it that is prudent, do you keep moving from 
window to window, taking care not to let your head be seen, 
if you set value on life. No one knows when, or where, we 
shall hear from our neighbors.” 

Deerslayer complied, with a sensation that had nothing in 
common with fear, but which had all the interest of a per- 
fectly novel and exciting situation. For the first time in his 
life he was in the vicinity 1 of enemies, or had good reason to 
think so ; and that, too, under all the thrilling circum- 
stances of Indian surprises and Indian artifices . 2 

The ark was in the act of passing the last curve of the 
leafy entrance, as Deerslayer, having examined all that could 
be seen of the eastern bank of the river, crossed the room to 
look from the opposite window at the western. His arrival at 
this aperture 8 was most opportune , 4 for he had no sooner 
placed his eye at a crack than a sight met his gaze that might 
well have alarmed a sentinel so young and inexperienced. 


1 neighborhood. 

2 tricks to deceive ; stratagems. 


3 opening. 

4 timely, by discovering the presence of enemies. 


THE HUTTERS INTRODUCED. 


29 


A sapling overhung the water, in nearly half a circle. On 
this no less than six Indians had already appeared, others 
standing ready to follow them as soon as they left room ; 
each evidently bent on running out on the trunk, and drop- 
ping on the roof of the ark, as it passed beneath. When Deer- 
slayer first saw this party, it was just unmasking itself by 
ascending the part of the tree nearest to the earth, or that 
which was much the most difficult to overcome ; and his 
knowledge of Indian habits told him at once that they were 
all in their war-paint, and belonged to a hostile tribe. 

“Pull Harry,” he cried; “pull for your life, and as you 
love Judith Ilutter ! Pull, man, pull !” 

This call was made to one that the young man knew had 
the strength of a giant. It was so earnest and solemn, that 
both Hutter and March felt it was not idly given, and they 
applied all their force to the line simultaneously , 1 and at a 
most critical moment. The scow redoubled its motion, and 
seemed to glide from under the tree as if conscious of the 
danger that was impending overhead. Perceiving that they 
were discovered, the Indians uttered the fearful war-whoop, 
and running forward on the tree, leaped desperately towards 
their fancied prize. There were six on the tree, and each 
made the effort. All but their leader fell into the river, more 
or less distant from the ark, as they came sooner or later to the 
leaping-place. The chief, who had taken the most dangerous 
post in advance, having an earlier opportunity than the others, 
struck the scow just within the stern. The fall proving so 
much greater than he had anticipated , 2 he was slightly stunned, 
and, for a moment, remained half bent and unconscious of his 
situation. At this instant Judith rushed from the cabin, and, 
throwing all her strength into the effort, she pushed the in- 
truder over the edge of the scow, headlong into the river. 
The act occupied less than a minute, when the arm of Deer- 
slayer was thrown around her waist, and she was dragged 

1 at the same time, together. 2 looked forward to. 


30 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


swiftly within the protection of the cabin. This retreat was 
not effected 1 too soon. Scarcely were the two in safety when 
the forest was filled with yells, and bullets began to patter 
against the logs. 

The ark being in swift motion all this while, it was beyond 
the danger of pursuit by the time these little events had oc- 
curred ; and the savages, as soon as the first burst of their 
anger had subsided , 2 ceased firing, with the consciousness 
that they were expending their ammunition 3 in vain. Hut- 
ter and Marsh soon got out two small sweeps , 4 and, covered 
by the cabin, they urged the ark far enough from the shore 
to leave no inducement 5 to their enemies to make any further 
attempt to injure them. 


CHAPTER III. 

deerslayer's compact with hutter. 

As no danger could now approach unseen, immediate un- 
easiness had given place to the concern which attended the 
conviction that enemies were in considerable force on the 
shores of the lake, and that they might be sure no practica- 
ble means of accomplishing their own destruction would be 
neglected. 

“ Judith,” called out her father, when he had taken a close 
hut short survey of the omens , 6 “ night is at hand ; find our 
friends food ; a long march gives a sharp appetite. Take 
your sister to help you. I've a little discourse to hold with 
you, friends,” he continued, as soon as his daughters were 
out of hearing, “and wish the girls away. You see my situ- 

1 accomplished, made. & whatever leads one to action ; influences. 

2 became quiet, ceased. 6 occurrences supposed to foreshadow some 

3 powder, shot, etc. future event. 

4 oars. 


deerslayer’s compact with hutter. 


31 


ation. May I depend on you to stand by me and my daugh- 
ters?” 

“ That you may, Floating Tom, if that's your name ; and 
as a brother would stand by a sister — a husband his wife — 
or a suitor 1 his sweetheart. In this strait you may count on 
me through all ad varsities 2 ; and I think you can count on 
Hurry. '' 

“ I'll not quit you, uncle Tom, just now, whatever may be 
my feelin's and intentions respecting your eldest darter.” 

“ High prices are offered for scalps on both sides,” Hutter 
observed, with a grim smile. “It isn't right, perhaps, to 
take gold for human blood ; and yet, when mankind is busy 
in killing one another, there can be no great harm in adding 
a little bit of skin to the plunder. What's your sentiments. 
Hurry, touching these p'ints ? ” 

“ That you've made a vast mistake in calling savage blood 
human blood at all. I think no more of a red-skin's scalp 
than I do of a pair of wolf's ears ; and would just as lief 3 
finger money for one as for the other. With white people 
'tis different, for they've a nat'ral avarsion to being scalped ; 
whereas your Indian shaves his head in readiness for the 
knife and leaves a lock of hair, by way of braggadocio , 4 that 
one can lay hold of in the bargain.” 

“That's manly,” returned Tom. “Something more may 
turn up from this inroad of the red-skins than they bargained 
for. Deerslayer, I conclude you're of Hurry's way of think- 
ing, and look upon money 'arned in this way as being as 
likely to pass as money 'arned in trapping or hunting.” 

“I've no such feelin', nor any wish to harbor it, not I," 
returned the other. “My gifts are not scalpers' gifts, but 
such as belong to my religion and color. I'll stand by you, 
old man, in the ark or in the castle, the canoe, or the woods, 
but I'll not unhumanize my natur' by falling into ways that 

1 lover. 3 as soon ; as readily. 

2 (adversities) hindering circumstances, 4 loud boasting, 

changes of fortune for the worse. 


32 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


God intended for another race. If yon and Hurry have got 
any thoughts that lean towards the Colony’s gold, go by your- 
selves in s’arch of it, and leave the females to my care. Much 
as I must differ from you both on all gifts that do not properly 
belong to a white man, we shall agree that it is the duty of 
the strong to care for the weak, especially when the last be- 
longs to them that natur’ intended man to protect and con- 
sole by his gentleness and strength.” 

“ Hurry Harry, that is a lesson you might learn and prac- 
tice to some advantage,” said the sweet but spirited voice of 
Judith from the cabin ; a proof that she had overheard all 
that had hitherto been said. 

“ You must fight a man with his own we’pons, Deerslayer,” 
cried Hurry, in his uncouth 1 dialect, and in his dogmatical 2 
manner of disposing of all moral propositions 3 ; ” if he’s 
f’erce, you must be f’ercer ; if he’s stout of heart, you must 
be stouter. That is the way to get the better of Christian or 
savage : by keeping up to this trail you’ll get soonest to the 
ind of your journey.” 

“That’s not Moravian 4 doctrine, which teaches that all 
are to be judged according to their talents, or l’arning ; the 
Injin like an Injin ; and the white man like a white man. 
Some of their teachers say, that if you’re struck on the 
cheek, it’s a duty to turn the other side of the face and take 
another blow instead of seeking revenge, whereby I under- 
stand — ” 

“That’s enough!” shouted Hurry; “that’s all I want to 
prove a man’s doctrine ! How long would it take to kick a 
man through the Colony — in at one ind, and out at the other, 
on that principle ? That for your Moravians ! ” cried March, 
snapping his fingers ; “they’re the next thing to Quakers.” 

The disdainful manner of Hurry prevented a reply, and he 

1 rough, uncultured. 4 relating to the church in Moravia, northern 

2 asserting a thing with great positive- Austria, founded about 1450. Moravian mis- 

ness. sionaries were found in many settlements at 

3 statements of beliefs and teachings. this time. 


deerslayer’s compact with hutter. 


33 


and the old man resumed 1 the discussion of their plans in a 
more quiet and confidential manner. The conference lasted 
until Judith appeared, bearing the simple but savory 2 supper. 
March observed, with a little surprise, that she placed the 
choicest bits before Deerslayer, and that in the little nameless 
attentions it was in her power to bestow, she very obviously 
manifested a desire to let it be seen that she deemed him the 
honored guest. Accustomed, however, to the waywardness 
and coquetry of the beauty, this discovery gave him little 
concern, and he ate with an appetite that was in no degree 
disturbed by any moral causes. 

An hour later, the scene had greatly changed. The lake 
was still placid 3 and glassy, but the gloom of the hour had 
succeeded to the soft twilight of a summer evening, and all 
within the dark setting of the woods lay in the quiet repose 
of night. The forests gave up no song, or cry, or even mur- 
mur, but looked down from the hills on the lovely basin they 
encircled, in solemn stillness ; and the only sound that was 
audible 4 was the regular dip of the sweeps, at which Hurry 
and Deerslayer lazily pushed, impelling 5 the ark toward the 
castle. Hutter had withdrawn to the stern of the scow, in 
order to steer, but finding that the young men kept even 
strokes and held the desired course by their own skill, he per- 
mitted the oar to drag in the water, took a seat on the end of 
the vessel, and lighted his pipe. 

In about two hours the castle was seen in the darkness, 
rising out of the water, at the distance of a hundred yards. 
No one had visited the house since Hurry and his companion 
left it. As an enemy was known to be near, Hutter directed 
his daughters to abstain from the use of lights, luxuries in 
which they seldom indulged during the warm months, lest they 
might prove beacons 6 to direct foes where they might be found. 

Hutter’s daughters had no sooner left them, with an ex- 


1 took up again. 

4 that may be heard. 


2 pleasant to the organs of taste or smell. 3 quiet. 

6 driving. 6 signal lights. 


34 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


pressed intention of going to bed, than he invited his two 
companions to follow him again into the scow. Here the old 
man opened his project, keeping back the portion that he 
reserved for execution by Hurry and himself. 

“The great object for people posted like ourselves is to 
command the water,” he commenced. “ So long as there 
is no other craft on the lake, a bark canoe is as good as a 
man-of-war, since the castle will not be easily taken by swim- 
ming. Now, there are but five canoes remaining in these 
parts, two of which are mine, and one is Hurry’s. These 
three we have with us here : one being fastened in the canoe- 
dock beneath the house, and the other two alongside of the 
scow. The other canoes are housed on the shore in hollow 
logs, and the savages, who are such venomous 1 enemies, will 
leave no likely place unexamined in the morning, if they ’re 
serious in s’arch of bounties .” 2 

“I’m of Master Hutter’s mind,” said Deerslayer, “that 
it’s far wiser to mistrust a savage’s ingenuity, than to build 
any great expectations on his want of eyesight. If these two 
canoes can be got off to the castle, therefore, the sooner it’s 
done the better.” 

“ Will you be of the party that’s to do ’it ? ” demanded 
Hutter, in a way to show that the proposal both surprised and 
pleased him. 

“Sartain. I’m ready to enlist in any enterprise that’s 
not ag’in a white man’s lawful gifts.” 

“Let us waste no more time, then,” said Hutter, “but 
get into the canoe, and do , in place of talking.” 

As Hutter led the w r ay, in the execution of this project, the 
boat was soon ready, with Harry and Deerslayer at the pad- 
dles. Before the old man embarked himself, however, he held 
a conference of several minutes with Judith, entering the 
house for that purpose ; then, returning, he took his place in 
the canoe, which left the side of the ark at the next instant. 


poisonous. 


money paid by the government for killing Indians. 


deerslayer’s compact with hutter. 35 

The bark was too light to require any extraordinary ef- 
forts to propel it, and skill supplying the place of strength, 
in about half an hour they were approaching the shore at 
a point near a league 1 from the castle. 

Hutter and Hurry closely examined the shore, but as noth- 
ing unusual could be traced, they landed, the former carry- 
ing his own and his friend's rifle, leaving Deerslayer in charge 
of the canoe. The hollow log, where the canoe was hid, lay 
a little distance up the side of the mountain, and the old man 
led the way toward it, using so much caution as to stop at 
every third or fourth step, to listen if any tread betrayed the 
presence of a foe. 

“ This is it," whispered Hutter, laying a foot on the trunk 
of a fallen linden. 

The canoe was drawn out of the log with the utmost care, 
raised by Hurry to his shoulder, and the two began to return 
to the shore, moving but a step at a time, lest they should 
tumble down the steep declivity . 2 Still the silence was un- 
broken, and they all embarked with the caution that had been 
used in coming ashore. 

Hutter now steered broad off towards the center of the lake. 
Having got a sufficient distance from the shore, he cast his 
prize loose, knowing that it would drift slowly up the lake 
before the light southerly air, and intending to find it on his 
return. Thus relieved of his tow, the old man held his way 
down the lake, steering towards the point where Hurry had 
made his fruitless attempt on the life of the deer. The point, 
though long and covered with tall trees, was nearly flat, and 
for some distance only a few yards in width. Hutter and 
Hurry landed, as before, leaving their companion in charge 
of the boat. 

In this instance, the dead tree that contained the canoe of 
which they had come in quest lay about half-way between the 
extremity of the narrow strip of land and the place where it 

2 slope. 


i three miles. 


36 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


joined the main shore ; and, knowing that there was water 
so near him on his left, the old man led the way along the 
eastern side of the belt, with some confidence, walking boldly, 
though still with caution. 

He had landed at the point expressly to get a glimpse of 
the bay, and to make certain that the coast was clear : other- 
wise he would have come ashore directly abreast of the hollow 
tree. There was no difficulty in finding the latter, from 
which the canoe was drawn as before, and, instead of carrying 
it down to the place where Deerslayer lay, it was launched 
at the nearest favorable spot. As they had now in their pos- 
session all the boats on the lake, they landed together, and 
stood grouped in consultation on the gravelly point. 

“ Let us paddle along the south shore,” said Hutter, “ and 
see if there’s any sign of an encampment ; but, first, let me 
have a better look into the bay, for no - one has been far 
enough round the inner shore of the point to make sure of 
that quarter yet.” 

As Hutter ceased speaking, all three moved in the direction 
he had named. Scarcely had they fairly opened the bottom 
of the bay, when a general start proved that their eyes had 
lighted on a common object at the same instant. It was not 
more than a dying brand, giving out its flickering and failing 
light ; but at that hour and in that place, it was at once as 
conspicuous as “a good deed 1 in a naughty world.” There 
was not a shadow of doubt that this fire had been kindled at 
an encampment of the Indians. 

“ That’s not a warrior’s encampment,” Hutter growled to 
Hurry, “ and there’s bounty enough sleeping round that fire 
to make a heavy division of head-money. Send the lad to 
the canoes, for there’ll come no good of him in such an on- 
set, and let us take the matter in hand at once, like men.” 

“ There’s judgment in your notion, Old Tom, and I like 


1 “ How far that little candle throws his beams ! 

So shines a good deed in a naughty world.” — S hakespeare. 


deerslayer’s compact with hutter. 


37 


it to the back-bone. .Deerslayer, do you get into the canoe, 
lad, and paddle off into the lake, with the spare one, and set 
it adrift as we did the other ; after which you can float along 
shore, as near as you can get to the head of the bay, keeping 
outside the point, however, and outside the rushes, too. You 
can hear us when we want you ; and if there's any delay, I'll 
call like a loon 1 — yes, that'll do it — the call of a loon shall 
be the signal. If you hear rifles and feel like soldiering, 
why, you may close in, and see if you can make the same 
hand with the savages that you do with the deer." 

“If my wishes could be followed, this matter would not he 
undertaken, Hurry." 

“Quite true — nobody denies it, boy; hut your wishes 
can't be followed ; and that inds the matter. So just canoe 
yourself off into the middle of the lake, and by the time you 
get back, there'll be movements in that camp ! " 

The young man set about complying with great reluctance 2 
and a heavy heart. He paddled the canoe silently, and with 
the former caution, to a spot near the center of the placid 
sheet of water and set the boat just recovered adrift, retaining 
all the paddles. 

No sooner had he set the recovered canoe adrift, than Deer- 
slayer turned the bows of his own towards the point on the 
shore that had been indicated by Hurry. 

It might have been an hour and a half after his compan- 
ions and he had parted, when Deerslayer was roused by a 
sound that filled him equally with concern and surprise.* 
The quavering call of a loon arose from the opposite side of the 
lake, evidently at no great distance from its outlet. Deer- 
slayer was satisfied that Hurry could never so completely 
and closely follow nature. He determined to disregard that 
cry, and to wait for one less perfect and nearer at hand. 

He had hardly come to this determination, when the pro- 
found stillness of night and solitude was broken by a cry so » 

l kind of waterfowl noted for its expertness in diving and swimming. 2 hesitation. 


38 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


startling as to drive all recollection of the more melancholy 1 
call of the loon from the listener’s mind. A very few mo- 
ments removed his indecision . 2 The breaking of branches, 
the crackling of dried sticks, and the fall of feet, were all 
distinctly audible ; the sound appearing to approach the water, 
though in a direction that led diagonally toward the shore, 
and a little farther north than the spot that Deerslayer had 
been ordered to keep near. One or two shrieks, like those 
which escape the bravest when suddenly overcome by unex- 
pected anguish and alarm, followed ; and then the threshing 
among the bushes was renewed, in a way to show that man 
was grappling with man. 

“ His skin’s greased ! ” shouted Hurry, with a fury of dis- 
appointment — “I sha’n’t grapple! Take that for your 
cunning! ” 

The words were followed by the fall of some heavy object 
among the smaller trees that fringed the bank, appearing to 
Deerslayer as if his gigantic associate had hurled an enemy 
from him in this unceremonious 3 manner. Again the flight 
and the pursuit were renewed, and then the young man saw 
a human form break down the hill, and rush several yards 
into the water. At this critical moment the canoe was just 
near enough to the spot to allow this movement, which was 
accompanied by no little noise, to be seen ; and feeling that 
there he must take in his companions, if anywhere, Deer- 
slayer urged the canoe forward to the rescue. His paddle 
had not been raised twice, when the voice of Hurry was 
heard filling the air with imprecations , 4 and he rolled on the 
narrow beach, literally loaded down with enemies. While 
prostrate, and almost smothered with his foes, the athletic 
frontier-man gave his loon call, in a manner that would have 
excited laughter under circumstances less terrific. The figure 
in the water seemed suddenly to repent his own flight, and 
rushed to the shore to aid his companion, but was met and 

1 sad. 2 irresolution, hesitancy. 3 informally. * curses. 


deerslayer’s compact with butter. 


39 


immediately overpowered by half a dozen fresh pursuers, 
who, just then, came leaping down the hank. 

“Let up, you painted riptyles — let up!” cried Hurry, 
too hard pressed to be particular about the terms he used ; 
“isn't it enough that I'm withed 1 like a saw-log that ye 
must choke, too ? " 

This speech satisfied Deerslayer that his friends were pris- 
oners, and that to land would be to share their fate. He 
was already within a hundred feet of the shore, when a few 
timely strokes of the paddle not only arrested his advance, 
but forced him off to six or eight times that distance from 
his enemies. 

“Keep off the land, lad !" called out Hutter ; “the girls 
depend only on you, now : you will want all your caution to 
escape these savages. Keep off, and God prosper you as you 
aid my children ! " 

This injunction 2 of Hutter's was stopped by a hand being 
rudely slapped against his mouth, the certain sign that some 
one in the party sufficiently understood English to have at 
length detected the drift of the discourse. Immediately, 
after the whole group entered the forest, Hutter and Hurry 
apparently making no resistance to the movement. Just as 
the sounds of the cracking bushes were ceasing, however, 
the voice of the father was again heard. 

“ As you're true to my children, God prosper you, young 
man ! " were the words that reached Deerslayer's ears ; after 
which he found himself left to follow the dictates 3 of his own 
discretion . 4 

Several minutes elapsed 5 in death-like stillness when the 
party on the shore had disappeared in the woods. Owing to 
the distance, rather more than two hundred yards, and the 
obscurity , 6 Deerslayer had been able barely to distinguish the 
group, and to see it retiring ; but even this dim connection 


1 (th as in bath) fastened with twigs 
or strips of bark used as bands. 

2 order, command. 


3 directions, commands. 

4 judgment. 


6 darkness. 


40 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


with human forms gave an animation 1 to the scene strongly 
in contrast to the absolute solitude that remained. 

Dropping his paddle into the water, he turned the head of 
the canoe, and proceeded slowly, as one walks who thinks in- 
tently, toward the center of the lake. When he believed 
himself to have reached a point in a line with that where he 
had set the last canoe adrift, he changed his direction north- 
ward, keeping the light air as nearly on his back as possible. 
After paddling a quarter of a mile in this direction, a dark 
object became visible on the lake, a little to the right ; and, 
turning on one side for the purpose* he soon secured his lost 
prize to his own boat. Deerslayer now examined the heavens, 
the course of the air, and the position of the two canoes. 
Finding nothing in either to induce a change of plan, he lay 
down and prepared to catch a few hours* sleep, that the mor- 
row might find him equal to its exigencies . 2 


CHAPTER IV. 

DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 

Day had fairly dawned before the young man again opened 
his eyes. This was no sooner done, than he started up and 
looked about him with the eagerness of one who suddenly felt 
the importance of accurately ascertaining his precise position. 
His rest had been deep and undisturbed ; and when he awoke 
it was with a clearness of intellect and a readiness of resource 
much needed at that particular moment. The sun had not 
risen, it is true, but the vault of heaven was rich with win- 
ning softness, while the whole air was filled with the carol of 
birds, the hymns of the feathered tribe. The scene was ra- 
diant with beauty ; and no one unaccustomed to the ordinary 

1 appearance of life, activity. 


2 sudden demands. 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


41 


history of the woods would fancy that it would soon witness 
incidents that were both ruthless 1 and barbarous. 

When Deerslayer drew near to the castle, objects of interest 
presented themselves which at once eclipsed any beauties that 
might have distinguished the scenery of the lake and the site 
of the singular edifice. Judith and Hetty stood on the plat- 
form before the door, Hurry's door-yard, awaiting bis ap- 
proach with manifest 2 anxiety ; the former from time to time 
taking a survey of his person and of the canoes through the 
old ship's spy-glass that has been already mentioned. Never, 
probably, did this girl seem more brilliantly beautiful than at 
this moment ; the flush of anxiety and alarm increasing her 
color to its richest tints, while the softness of her eyes, a 
charm that even poor Hetty shared with her, was deepened 
by intense concern. 

Such, at least, without pausing or pretending to analyse 3 
motives, or to draw any other very nice distinctions between 
cause and effect, were the opinions of the young man as his 
canoes reached the side of the ark, where he carefully fastened 
them before he put his foot on the platform. 

Neither of the girls spoke as Deerslayer stood before them 
alone, his countenance betraying all the apprehension 4 he 
felt on account of the two absent members of the party. 

“Father?" Judith at length exclaimed, succeeding in ut- 
tering the word, as it might be by a desperate effort. 

“He's met with misfortune, and there's no use in con- 
cealing it ! " answered Deerslayer, in his direct and simple- 
minded manner. “He and Hurry are in Mingo hands, and 
Heaven only knows what's to be the tarmination. I've got 
the canoes safe, and that's a consolation, since the vagabonds 
will have to swim for it, or raft off, to come near this place. 
At sunset we'll be reinforced by Chingachgook, if I can man- 
age to get him into a canoe ; and then, I think, we two can 
answer for the ark and the castle, till some of the officers in 

1 pitiless, cruel. 2 evident ; easily seen. 3 separate into parts. 4 fear. 


42 THE DEERSLAYER. 

the garrisons hear of this war-path, which sooner or later 
must be the case, when we may look for succor 1 from that 
quarter, if from no other.” 

Deerslayer then gave a succinct 2 but clear narrative of all 
that occurred during the night. The girls listened with 
profound attention, but neither betrayed that feminine ap- 
prehension and concern which would have followed such a 
communication when made to those less accustomed to the 
hazards 3 of a frontier life. To the surprise of Deerslayer, 
Judith seemed the most distressed ; Hetty listened eagerly, 
but appearing to brood over the facts in melancholy silence, 
rather than betraying any outward signs of feeling. The 
plain but nutritious 4 breakfast was taken by all three in som- 
bre silence. The girls ate little, but Deerslayer gave proof of 
possessing one material requisite of a good soldier, that of 
preserving his appetite in the midst of the most alarming and 
embarrassing 5 circumstances. 

“ Judith,” said Deerslayer, “ should Chingachgook come to 
the rock this evening, as is agreed atween us, and I get him 
off it onbeknown to the savages, or, if known to them, agTn 
their wishes and designs, then may we all look to something 
like warfare afore the Mingos shall get possession of either the 
castle, or the ark, or yourselves.” 

“Who is this Chingachgook ; from what place does he 
come, and why does he come here ? ” 

“ The questions are natural, and right, I suppose, though 
the youth has a great name already in his own part of the 
country. Chingachgook is a Mohican by blood, consorting 
with the Delawares by usage, as is the case with most of his 
tribe, which has long been broken up by the increase, of our 
color. He is of the family of the great chiefs ; Uncas, his 
father, having been the considerablest warrior and counsellor 
of his people. Even old Tamenund honors Chingachgook, 
though he is thought to be yet too young to lead in war; and 
1 help. 2 brief. 3 risks. * nourishing-, promoting growth. 5 perplexing, confusing. 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


43 


then the nation is so disparsed and diminished that chieftain- 
ship among ’em has become little more than a name. Well, 
this war having commenced in Ernest the Delaware and I 
rendezvous’d 1 an appointment to meet this evening at sun- 
set at the rendezvous-rock at the foot of this very lake, in- 
tending to come out on our first hostile expedition ag’in the 
Mingos. Why we come exactly this-a-way is our own secret ; 
but thoughtful young men on a war-path, as you may sup- 
pose, do nothing without calculation and design.” 

“ A Delaware can have no unfriendly intentions toward us,” 
said Judith, after a moment’s hesitation, “and we know yo.u 
to be friendly.” 

“ I see no great harm in telling you his ar’nd a’ter all ; and, 
as you may find means to help us, I will let you and Hetty 
into the whole matter, trusting that you’ll keep the secret as 
if it were your own. You must know that Chingachgook is 
a comely Injin, and is much looked upon and admired by the 
young women of his tribe, both on account of his family and 
on account of himself. Now, there is a chief that has a daugh- 
ter called Wah-ta !-Wah, which is intarpreted into Hist-oh !- 
Hist, in the English tongue, the rarest gal among the Dela- 
wares, and the one most sought a’ter and craved for a wife by 
all the young warriors of the nation. Well, Chingachgook, 
among others, took a fancy to Wah-ta !-Wah, and Wah-ta !- 
Wah took a fancy to him.” Here Deerslayer paused an in- 
stant ; for, as he got thus far in his tale, Hetty Hutter arose, 
approached, and stood attentive at his knee as a child draws 
near to listen to the legends of its mother. “Yes, he fan- 
cied her, and she fancied him,” resumed Deerslayer, after 
casting a friendly and approving glance at the innocent and 
interested girl; “and when that is the case, and all the elders 
are agreed, it does not often happen that the young couple 
keep apart. Chingachgook couldn’t well carry off such a prize 
without making inimies among them that wanted her as 

i (here means) arranged. A “ rendezvous ” is a place of meeting. 


THE DEERSLAYER, 


44 

much as he did himself. A sartain Briarthorn, as we call him 
in English, or Yocommon, as he is farmed in Injin, took it 
most to heart, and we mistrust him of having a hand in 
all that followed. Wah-ta !-Wah went with her father and 
mother two moons ago to fish for salmon on the western 
' streams, and while thus employed the gal vanished. For 
several weeks we could get no tidings of her ; but here, ten 
days since, a runner that came through the Delaware country 
brought us a message by which we l’arn that Wah-ta !-Wah 
was stolen from her people — we think, but do not know it, 
by Briarthorn's sarcumventions 1 — and that she is now with 
the inimy, who had adopted her and wanted her to marry a 
young Mingo. The message said that the party intended to 
hunt and forage 2 through this region a month or two, afore 
it went back into the Canadas, and that if we could contrive 
to get on a scent in this quarter, something might turn up 
that would lead to our getting the maiden off.” 

“ And how does that concern you, Deerslayer ? ” demanded 
Judith, a little anxiously. 

“It consarns me as all things that touches a fri'nd con- 
sarns a friend. Pm here as Chingachgook's aid and helper, 
and if we can get the maiden he likes back ag'in, it will give 
me almost as much pleasure as if I had got back my own 
sweetheart.” 

“And where, then, is your sweetheart, Deerslayer ?” 

“She's in the forest, Judith — hanging from the boughs 
of the trees, in a soft rain — in the dew on the open grass — 
the clouds that float about in the blue heavens — the birds 
that sing in the woods — the sweet springs where I slake my 
thirst — and in all the other glorious gifts that come from 
God's providence 1 ” 

“You mean that, as yet, you’ve never loved one of my sex, 
but love best your haunts and your own manner of life.” 

“That's it — that's just it ! I am white — have a white 

1 (circumventions) deceptions. 2 search for provisions. 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


45 


heart, and can't in reason love a red-skinned maiden, who 
must have a red-skin heart and feelin's.'' 

A bitter smile lingered around Judith's month. Her com- 
panion observed the change ; and though little skilled in the 
workings of the female heart, he had sufficient native deli- 
cacy to understand that it might be well to drop the subject. 

As the hour when Chingachgook was expected still re- 
mained distant, Deerslayer had time enough to examine into 
the state of the defences, and to make such additional ar- 
rangements as were in his power and the exigency of the 
moment seemed to require. The experience and foresight of 
Hutter had left little to be done in these particulars. 

As the day advanced, the party in the castle matured their 
plans and made their preparations. Judith was active, and 
seemed to find a pleasure in consulting and advising with her 
new acquaintance, whose indifference to danger, manly devo- 
tion to herself and sister, guilelessness 1 of manner, and truth 
of feeling had won rapidly on both her imagination and her 
affections. Although the hours appeared long in some re- 
spects to Deerslayer, Judith did not find them so ; and when 
the sun began to descend towards the pine-clad summits of 
the western hills she felt and expressed her surprise that the 
day should so soon be drawing to a close. 

At length the hour arrived when it became necessary to 
proceed to the place of rendezvous appointed with the Mohi- 
can, or Delaware, as Chingachgook was more commonly 
called. As the plan had been matured by Deerslayer, and 
fully communicated to his companions, all three set about its 
execution, in concert and intelligently. Hetty passed into 
the ark, and fastening two of the canoes together, she entered 
one, and paddled up to a sort of gateway in the palisades that 
surrounded the building, through which she carried both ; 
securing them beneath the house by chains fastened within 
the building. 


1 freedom from guile or deceit. 


46 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


As soon as all was fast in the inside of the dwelling, Deer- 
slayer appeared at a trap from which he descended into the 
canoe of Judith. When this was done, he fastened the door 
with a massive staple and stout padlock. Hetty was then re- 
ceived in the canoe, which was shoved outside the palisades. 
The next precaution 1 was to fasten the gate, and the keys were 
carried into the ark. The three were now fastened out of the 
dwelling, which could be entered only by violence, or by fol- 
lowing the course taken by the young man in quitting it. 

The glass had been brought outside as a preliminary step, 
and Deerslayer next took a careful survey of the entire shore 
of the lake, as far as his own position would allow. Not a 
living thing was visible, a few birds excepted, and even the 
latter fluttered about in the shades of the trees, as if unwilling 
to encounter the heat of the sultry 2 afternoon. Exposed them- 
selves to the observation of any watchful eyes, the movements 
of their enemies were concealed by the drapery of a dense forest. 

It was not long before the whole party was in the ark and 
in motion. There was a gentle breeze from the north, and 
boldly hoisting the sail, the young man laid the head of the 
unwieldy 3 craft in such a direction as, after making a liberal 
but necessary allowance for leeway , 4 would have brought it 
ashore a couple of miles down the lake, and on its eastern 
side. The sailing of the ark was never very swift, though, 
floating as it did on the surface, it was not difficult to get it 
in motion, or to urge it along over the water at the rate of 
some three or four miles an hour. The distance between the 
castle and the rock was a little more than two leagues. Know- 
ing the punctuality 5 of an Indian, Deerslayer had made his 
calculations closely, and had given himself a little more time 
than was necessary to reach the place of rendezvous, with a 
view to delay or to press his arrival, as might prove most ex- 

1 foresight, carefulness. 4 room to drift ; the side movement of a 

2 hot and moist. vessel to the leeward of iier course. 

3 difficult to manage from its size and form. 5 quality of being on time. 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


47 


pedient. When he hoisted the sail, the sun lay above the 
western hills, at an elevation which promised rather more 
than two hours of day ; and a few minutes satisfied him that 
the progress of the scow was such as to equal his expectations. 

“ Must we reach the rock exactly at the moment the sun 
sets ?” Judith demanded of the young man, as they stood 
near each other. “ Will a few minutes, sooner or later, alter 
the matter ? It will be very hazardous to remain long as near 
the shore as that rock ! " 

“ That's it, Judith ; that's the very difficulty ! The rock's 
within p'int blank for a shot-gun, and 'twill never do to 
hover about it too close and too long. When you have to 
deal with an Injin you must calculate and manage, for red 
natur' dearly likes sarcumvention, Now, you see, Judith, 
that I do not steer toward the rock at all, but here to the east- 
ward of it, whereby the savages will be tramping off in that di- 
rection, and get their legs a- wearied, and all for no advantage." 

“ You think, then, they see us, and watch our movements, 
Deerslayer ? I was in hopes they might have fallen ba^k into 
the woods, and left us to ourselves for a few hours." 

“ There's no let up in an Injin's watchfulness when he's 
on the warpath ; and eyes are on us at this minute, though 
the lake presarves us. We must draw near the rock on a 
calculation, and indivor to get the miscreants on a false scent. 
The Mingos have good noses, they tell me ; but a white man's 
reason ought always to equalize their instinct." 

By sheering first to one side of the lake, and then to the 
other, Deerslayer had managed to create an uncertainty as to 
his object ; and, doubtless, the savages, who were unques- 
tionably watching his movements, were led to believe that his 
aim was to communicate with them, at or near this spot, and 
would hasten in that direction, in order to be in readiness to 
profit by circumstances. 

This artifice was well managed ; since the sweep of the bay, 
the curvature of the lake, and the low marshy land that inter- 


48 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


vened, would probably allow the ark to reach the rock before 
its pursuers, if really collected near the point, could have 
time to make the circuit which would be required to get there 
by land. With a view to aid this deception, Deerslayer stood 
as near the western shore as was at all prudent ; and then 
causing Judith and Hetty to enter the house or cabin, and 
crouching himself so as to conceal his person by the frame of 
the scow, he suddenly threw the head of the latter round, and 
began to make the best of his way towards the outlet. Fa- 
vored by an increase in the wind, the progress of the ark was 
such as to promise the complete success of this plan, though 
the crab-like movement, of the craft compelled the helmsman 
to keep its head looking in a direction very different from 
that in which it was actually moving. 

In the position in which the ark had now got, the castle 
was concealed from view by the projection of a point, as, 
indeed, was the northern extremity of the lake itself. A 
respectable mountain, forest-clad, and rounded like all the 
rest, limited the view in that direction, stretching immedi- 
ately across the whole of the fair scene, with the exception of a 
deep bay that passed its western end, lengthening the basin for 
more than a mile. The manner in which the water flowed 
out of the lake, beneath the leafy arches of the trees that 
lined the sides of the stream, has already been mentioned, 
and it has also been said that the rock, which was a favorite 
place of rendezvous throughout all that region, and where 
Deerslayer now expected to meet his friend, stood near this 
outlet, and at no great distance from the shore. It was a large 
isolated 1 stone that rested on the bottom of the lake, appar- 
ently left there when the waters tore away the earth from 
around it, in forcing for themselves a passage down the river, 
and which had obtained its shape from the action of the ele- 
ments, during the slow progress of centuries. 

When distant some two or three hundred feet from the 
shore, Deerslayer took in his sail, and dropped his grapnel , 2 

1 apart by itself, like an island. 


2 small anchor with claws. 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


49 


as soon as he found the ark had drifted in a line directly to 
windward of the rock. The motion of the scow was then 
checked, when it was brought head to wind by the breeze. 
As soon as this was done, Deerslayer “paid out line,” and 
suffered the vessel to “set down” upon the rock, as fast as 
the light air would force it to leeward. Floating entirely on 
the surface, this was soon effected, and the young man 
checked the drift when he was told that the stern of the scow 
was within fifteen or eighteen feet of the desired spot. 

Deerslayer at this moment was interrupted by a slight ex- 
clamation from Judith, who, in obedience to his hurried ges- 
tures, had bent her looks on the rock. 

“ W hat is ’t ? — what is % Judith ? ” he hastily demanded. 
“Is anything to be seen ? ” 

“ There is a man on the rock! — an Indian warrior, in his 
paint, and armed ! ” 

“ Where does he wear his hawk's feather ?” eagerly asked 
Deerslayer, relaxing his hold of the line, in readiness to drift 
nearer to the place of rendezvous. “Is it fast to the war-lock, 
or does he carry it above the left ear ? ” 

“ 'Tis as you say, above the left ear; he smiles, too, and 
mutters the word ‘ Mohican / 99 

“ God be praised, 'tis the Sarpent, at last ! 99 exclaimed the 
young man, suffering the line to slip through his hands, until 
hearing a light bound in the other end of the craft, he in- 
stantly checked the rope, and began to haul in again, under 
the assurance that his object was effected. 

At that moment the door of the cabin was opened hastily, 
and a warrior, darting through the room stood at Deerslayer's 
side simply uttering the exclamation, “ Hugh ! ” At the 
next instant, Judith and Hetty shrieked, and the air was 
filled with the yells of twenty savages, who came leaping 
through the branches down the bank, some actually falling 
headlong into the water in their haste*. 

“ Pull, Deerslayer,” cried Judith, hastily barring the door, 
in order to prevent an inroad by the passage through which 


50 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


the Delaware had just entered ; “ Pull, for life and death — 
the lake is full of savages wading after us ! 99 

The young men — for Chingachgook immediately came to 
his friend's assistance — needed no second bidding, but they 
applied themselves to their task in a way that showed how 
urgent they deemed the occasion. 

The two men made a great effort, pulled the ark swiftly to 
the grapnel, tripped it, and when the scow had shot some 
distance, and lost its way, they let the anchor drop again; 
then, for the first time since their meeting, they ceased their 
efforts. As the floating house now lay several hundred feet 
from the shore, and offered a complete protection against 
bullets, there was no longer any danger, or any motive for 
immediate exertion. 

“ Well, Sarpent," asked Deerslayer, “ as you've been scout- 
ing around these Mingos, have you anything to tell us of 
their captives; the father of these young women, and an- 
other, who I somewhat conclude, is the lovyer of one of 'em?" 

“ Chingachgook has seen them. An old man, and a young 
warrior ; — the falling hemlock and the tall pine." 

“Were the men bound, or in any manner suffering tor- 
ture ? I ask on account of the young women ; who, I dare to 
say, would be glad to know." 

“It is not so, Deerslayer. The Mingos are too many to 
cage their game. Some watch ; some sleep ; some scout ; 
some hunt. The pale-faces are treated like brothers to-day ; 
to-morrow they will lose their scalps." 

“ Yes, that's red natur', and must be submitted to ! Judith 
and Hetty, here's comforting tidings for you, the Dela- 
ware tells me that neither your father nor Hurry Harry 
is in suffering ; hut, bating the loss of liberty, are as well off 
as we are ourselves. Of course they are kept in the camp ; 
otherwise they do much as they please." 

“ I rejoice to hear this, Deerslayer," returned Judith, “and 
now we are joined by your friend, I make no manner of 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


51 


question that we shall find an opportunity to ransom 1 the 
prisoners.” 

“Sarpent,” said the Deerslayer, “tell me how is it as to 
squaws among the knaves ; have they many of their own women 
in the camp ?” 

The Delaware, thus appealed to, answered his friend in his 
ordinary sententious 2 manner. “Six,” he said, holding up 
all the fingers of one hand, and the thumb of the other ; 
“besides this.” The latter number denoted his betrothed; 
whom, with the poetry and truth of nature, he described by 
laying his hand on his own heart. 

“ Did you see her, chief ? — did you get a glimpse of her 
pleasant countenance, or come close enough to her ear to 
sing in it the song she loves so well ? ” 

“No, Deerslayer — the trees were too many, and leaves 
covered their boughs like clouds hiding the heaven in a 
storm.” 

It was now quite dark ; the heavens having become clouded, 
and the stars hid. The north wind had ceased, as usual, 
with the setting of the sun, and a light air arose from the 
south. This change favoring the design of Deerslayer, he 
lifted his grapnel, and the scow immediately and quite per- 
ceptibly 3 began to drift more into the lake. The sail was 
set, when the motion of the craft increased to a rate not 
much less than two miles in the hour. 

Deerslayer, Chingachgook, and Judith seated themselves 
in the stern of the scow, where the first governed its move- 
ments by holding the oar. Here they discoursed on their 
future movements, and on the means to be used to effect the 
liberation 4 of their friends. 

“*Tis a gloomy night,” observed the girl, after a pause of 
several minutes. “ I hope we may find the castle.” 

“ Little fear of our missing that, if we keep this path in 


1 redeem from captivity by payment of a price, buy back. 3 fast enough to be seen. 

2 terse and pithy. 4 setting free. 


52 


THE itEERSLAYER. 


the middle of the lake,” returned the young man. “ Natur’ 
has made us a road here, and, dim as it is, there’ll be little 
difficulty in following it.” 

“Do you hear nothing, Deerslayer? It seems as if the 
water was stirring quite near us ! ” 

“Sartainly, something did move the water, oncommon 
like. Ha ! that sounds like a paddle used with more than 
common caution,” answered the Deerslayer. 

At this moment the Delaware bent forward, and pointed 
significantly into the boundary of the gloom, as if some 
object had suddenly caught his eye. Both Deerslayer and 
Judith followed the direction of the gesture, and each got a 
view of a canoe at the same instant. The glimpse of this 
startling neighbor was dim, and, to eyes less practiced, it 
might have been uncertain ; though to those in the ark the 
object was evidently a canoe, with a single individual in it ; 
the latter standing erect and paddling. How many lay con- 
cealed in its bottom of course could not be known. Flight 
by means of oars, from a bark canoe impelled by vigorous and 
skilful hands, was utterly impracticable, and each of the men 
seized his rifle in expectation of a conflict. 

“I can bring down the paddler,” whispered Deerslayer, 
“but we’ll first hail him and ask his ar’nd.” Then raising 
his voice, he continued in a solemn manner, “ Hold ! If you 
come nearer, I must fire, though contrary to my wishes ; and 
then sartain death will follow. Stop paddling, and answer ! ” 
“Fire, and slay a poor defenceless girl,” returned a soft 
tremulous female voice, “ and God will never forgive you ! 
Go your way, Deerslayer, and let me go mine.” 

“ Hetty ! ” exclaimed the young man and Judith in a 
breath ; and the former sprang instantly to the spot Where 
he had left the canoe they had been towing. It was gone. 

“What can this mean, Judith?” demanded Deerslayer. 
“ Why has your sister taken the canoe and left us ? ” 

“ You know she is feeble-minded, poor girl ! and she has her 


DEERSLAYER MEETS CHINGACHGOOK. 


53 


own ideas of what ought to be done. She loves her father 
more than most children love their parents — and then — ” 

“ Then, what, gal ? This is a trying moment ; one in 
which truth must be spoken ! ” 

J udith felt a generous and womanly regret at betraying her 
sister, and she hesitated before she spoke again. But once 
more, urged by Deerslayer, and conscious herself of all the 
risks the whole party was running by the indiscretion 1 of 
Hetty, she could refrain no longer. 

“ Then, I fear, poor weak-minded Hetty has not been alto- 
gether able to see the vanity, and madness, and folly, that 
lie hid behind the handsome face and fine form of Hurry 
Harry. She talks of him in her sleep, and sometimes betrays 
the inclination in her waking moments.” 

“ You think, Judith, that your sister is now bent on some 
mad scheme to serve her father and Hurry, which will in all 
likelihood give them riptyles, the Mingos, the mastership of 
a canoe ? ” 

“Such, I fear, will turn out to be the fact, Deerslayer. 
Poor Hetty has hardly sufficient cunning to outwit a savage.” 

The two men seized the oars and rowed with the energy of 
those who felt the necessity of straining every nerve, and 
Hetty’s strength was impaired by nervous desire to escape, the 
chase would have quickly terminated in the capture of the 
fugitive, had not the girl made several short and unlooked 
for deviations 2 in her course. The doublings of , her canoe 
had been as much the consequence of an uncertain hand, and 
of nervous agitation , 3 as of any craftiness or calculation. They 
gradually increased the distance between the fugitive and her 
pursuers, until Judith called out to her companions to cease 
rowing, for she had completely lost sight of the canoe. 

Disappointed at the failure, and conscious of the importance 
of getting possession of the fortress, before it could be seized 
by the enemy, Deerslayer now took his way toward the castle, 

1 lack of judgment. 2 wanderings. 3 excitement. 


54 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


with the apprehension that all his foresight in securing the 
canoes would be defeated by this unguarded and alarming 
movement on the part of the feeble-minded Hetty. 


CHAPTER V. 

HETTY VISITS HIST. 

Fear, as much as calculation, had induced Hetty to cease 
paddling, when she found that her pursuers did not know in 
which direction to proceed. In order to avoid her pursuers, 
who, she rightly suspected, would soon be rowing along that 
shore themselves, the head of the canoe was pointed so far 
north as to bring her to land on a point that thrust itself into 
the lake, at the distance of nearly a league from the outlet. 

The girl was quite an hour finding her way to the point ; 
the distance and the obscurity equally detaining her ; but she 
was no sooner on the gravelly beach than she prepared to set 
the canoe adrift. While in the act of pushing* it from her 
she heard low voices that seemed to come from among the 
trees behind her. Startled at this unexpected danger, Hetty 
was on the point of springing into the canoe again, in order 
to seek safety in flight, when she thought she recognized the 
tones of Judith's melodious 1 voice. Bending forward, so as 
to catch the sounds more directly, they evidently came from 
the water; and then she understood that the ark was ap- 
proaching from the south, and so close in with the western 
shore as necessarily to cause it to pass the point, within 
twenty yards of the spot where she stood. Here, then, was 
all she could desire ; the canoe was shoved off into the lake, 
leaving its late occupant alone on the narrow strand. 

The ark approached under its sail again ; Deerslayer stand- 


1 musical. 


HETTY VISITS HIST. 


55 


ing in its bow, with Judith near him, and the Delaware at 
the helm. “Lay her head more off the shore, Delaware,” 
said Deerslayer, speaking in English, that his fair companion 
might understand his words ; “lay her head well off shore. 
We have got embayed here, and must needs keep the mast 
clear of the trees. Judith, there's a canoe! ” 

The last words were uttered with great earnestness, and 
Deerslayer's hand was on his rifle ere they were fairly out of 
. his mouth. But the truth flashed on the mind of the quick- 
witted girl, and she instantly told her companion that the 
boat must be that in which her sister had fled. 

“Keep the scow straight, Delaware ; steer as straight as 
your bullet flies when sent ag'in a buck ; there — I have it.” 

The canoe was seized, and immediately secured again to 
the side of the ark. At the next moment the sail was low- 
ered, and the motion of the ark was arrested by means of the 
oars. 

“Hetty!” called out Judith, “are you within hearing, 
sister ? — for God's sake answer, and let me hear the sound of 
your voice again ! Hetty ! — dear Hetty !” 

“I'm here, Judith — here, on the shore, where it will be 
useless to follow me ; as I shall hide in the woods.” 

“Oh, Hetty, what is't you do? Remember 'tis drawing 
near midnight, and that the woods are filled with savages and 
wild beasts- ! ” 

“Neither will harm a poor half-witted girl, Judith. God 
is as much with me, here, as he would be in the ark, or in 
the hut. I am going to help my father and poor Hurry 
Harry ; who will be tortured and slain, unless some one cares 
for them.” 

Judith again hurriedly called to her sister by name, as one 
suddenly impressed with the importance of what she had to 
say ; but no answer was given to the call. 

By the snapping of twigs and the rustling of leaves, Hetty 
had evidently quitted the shore, and was already burying her- 


56 


EHE DEERSLAYER. 


self in the forest. To follow would have been bootless . 1 
The wind rose as the party quitted the point, and in less than 
an hour they reached the castle. Here all was found as it 
had been left. 

When Hetty left the shore, she took her way unhesitat- 
ingly into the woods, with a nervous apprehension of being 
followed. As soon as she had collected a sufficient number 
of dried leaves to protect her person from the damps of the 
ground, she kneeled beside the humble pile, clasped her 
raised hands in the attitude of deep devotion, and, in a soft, 
low, but audible voice, repeated the Lord's Prayer. This 
was followed by those simple and devout verses , 2 so familiar 
to children, in which she recommended her soul to God, 
should it be called to another state of existence before the 
return of morning. This duty done, she lay down and dis- 
posed herself to sleep. 

Ordinarily, Hetty was up before the rays of the sun tipped 
the summits of the mountains ; but on this occasion, her 
fatigue had been so great, and her rest was so profound, that 
the customary warnings failed of their effect. The girl mur- 
mured in her sleep, threw an arm forward,, smiled as gently 
as an infant in its cradle, but still slumbered. In making 
this unconscious gesture, her hand fell on some object that 
was warm, and in the half-unconscious state in which she 
lay she connected the circumstance with her habits. 

As the startled girl arose to a sitting attitude, she per- 
ceived that some dark object sprang from her, scattering the 
leaves and snapping the fallen twigs in its haste. Opening 
her eyes, and recovering from the first confusion and aston- 
ishment of her situation, Hetty perceived a cub of the com- 
mon American brown bear, balancing itself on its hinder 
legs, and still looking toward her as if doubtful whether it 
would be safe to trust itself near her person again. Recollect- 
ing her errand among the hills, she tore away from the place, 

1 useless ; without result. 2 “ Now I lay me down to sleep, etc.” 


HETTY VISITS JJIST. 


57 


and proceeded on her course along the margin of the lake, 
of which she now caught glimpses again through the trees. 
To her surprise, though not to her alarm, a family of bears 
arose and followed her steps, keeping a short distance behind 
her, apparently watching every movement, as if they had a 
near interest in all she did. 

The girl proceeded nearly a mile, when she reached a 
brook where she performed her ablutions ; 1 then drinking of 
the pure mountain-water, she' went her way refreshed and 
lighter of heart, still attended by her singular companions. 

Hetty knew that she was getting near to the encampment, 
and had she not, the bears would have given her warning of 
the vicinity of human beings. Snuffing the air, the dam re- 
fused to follow any further^ It was while making her way 
slowly through some bushes in this manner, with averted 2 
face and eyes riveted on the immovable animals, that the girl 
suddenly found her steps arrested by a human hand that was 
laid lightly upon her shoulder. 

“ Where go ? 99 said a soft female voice speaking hurriedly, 
and in concern. “ Indian — red-man — savage — wicked war- 
rior — that-a-way.” 

This unexpected salutation alarmed the girl no more than 
the presence of the fierce inhabitants of the woods. It took 
her a little by surprise, it is true, but she was in a measure 
prepared for some such meeting; and the creature who 
stopped her was as little likely to excite terror as any who 
ever appeared in the guise of an Indian. It was a girl, not 
much older than herself, whose smile was as sunny as Judith’s 
in her brightest moments. 

The girl who had so suddenly arrested the steps of Hetty 
was dressed in a calico mantle, that effectually protected all 
the upper part of her person, while a short petticoat of blue 
cloth edged with gold lace, that fell no lower than her knees, 
leggings of the same, and moccasins of deer-skin, completed 


' acts performed in washing. 


2 turned aside. 


58 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


her attire. In a word, this was the betrothed of Chingach- 
gook, Wah-ta !-Wah (meaning in English Hist-oh !-Hist) ; who, 
having succeeded in lulling their suspicions, was permitted to 
wander around the encampment of her captors. 

“ Where go ?” repeated Wah-ta !-Wah, returning the smile 
of Hetty, in her own gentle, winning manner; “ wicked war- 
rior, that-a-way — good warrior, far off.” 

“ What *s your name ? ” asked Hetty, with the simplicity 
of a child. 

“ Wah-ta !-Wah. I no Mingo — good Delaware — Yen- 
geese friend. Mingo very cruel, and love scalp for blood — 
Delaware love him for honor. Come here, where no eyes.” 

Wah-ta !-Wah now led her companion toward the lake, 
descending the bank so as to place its overhanging trees and 
bushes between them and any probable observers ; nor did 
she stop until they were both seated side by side on a fallen 
log. 

“ Why you come for ? ” the young Indian then eagerly in- 
quired ; Si ‘ where you come from ?” 

Hetty told her tale in her own simple and truth-loving 
manner. She explained the situation of her father, and stated 
her desire to serve him, and if possible to procure his release. 

“ Why your fader come to Mingo camp in night ? ” asked 
the Indian girl. “ He knew it war-time and he no boy ; he 
no want to be told Iroquois 1 carry tomahawk , 2 and knife, and 
rifle. Why he come night time, seize me by hair, and try to 
scalp Delaware girl ? Wicked thng for pale-face to scalp. 
No his gifts, as the good Deerslayer alway tell me.” 

“And do you know the Deerslayer ?” asked Hetty. “I 
know him, too. He is now in the ark with Judith, and a 
Delaware, who is called the Big Serpent. A bold handsome 
warrior is this Serpent, too ! ” 


1 name applied to the Confederacy of the Indians, occupying the region extending 

Six Nations ; or Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. 
Seneca, Onondaga, and Tuscarora tribes of 2 wa r hatchet. 


HETTY VISITS HIST. 


59 


“ Chingachgook ! " returned the Delaware girl. “ More as 
as warrior, not so much grey hair, and less at council-fire. 
You know Serpent ? " 

“He joined us last evening, and was in the ark with me 
for two or three hours before I left it." 

“You good," whispered the young Indian; “you good, I 
know it so long since Wah-ta !-Wah have a friend — a sister 
— anybody to speak her heart to ! you Hist friend ; don't I 
say trutf ? " 

“ I never had a friend," answered Hetty; “I've a sister, 
hut no friend. Judith loves me, and I love Judith ; but 
that's natural, and as we are taught in the Bible ; but I 
should like to have a friend ! I’ll be your friend with all my 
heart ; for I like your voice, and your smile, and your way of 
thinking in everything." 

“ What is your name, pretty pale-face ? " 

“ I am called Hetty, though when they spell the name in 
the Bible, they always spell it Esther.'' 

“My name AVah-ta !-Wah — that say Hist in your tongue ; 
you call him Hist — I call him Hetty." 

These preliminaries settled to their mutual satisfaction, the 
two girls began to discourse of their several hopes and pro- 
jects. Hist after a time indicated a wish to her companion 
that she should accompany her to the camp, which was situ- 
ated at no great distance. Hetty acceded 1 to the request of 
her new friend without apprehension or reluctance 2 as it was 
her wish to reach the camp. 

As the two girls came near the encampment, Hetty uttered 
a slight exclamation, on catching a view of the person of her 
father. He was seated on the ground with his back to a tree, 
and Hurry stood near him, indolently 3 whittling a twig. 
Hetty approached and stood at her father's side without 
speaking, resembling a silent statue of filial affection, The 
old man expressed neither alarm nor surprise at her sudden 


3 lazily. 


1 yielded. 


2 hesitation. 


GO 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


appearance. In these particulars he had caught the stoicism 1 
of the Indians, well knowing that there was no more certain 
mode of securing their respect than by imitating their self- 
command. Hutter was inwardly moved by the conduct of 
Hetty, though he affected so much indifference of manner. 

“ This is not well, Hetty,” he said, deprecating 2 the conse- 
quences to the girl herself, more than any other evil. “ These 
are fierce Iroquois, and as little apt to forget an injury as a 
favor.” 

Hetty told her father and Hurry with so much simple ear- 
nestness her plans, and seemed so confident of success, that 
both the listeners felt more disposed to attach an importance 
to her mediation 3 than might otherwise have happened. 
When she manifested an intention to quit them, therefore, 
they offered no obstacle, though they saw she was about to 
join the group of chiefs who were consulting apart, seemingly 
on the manner and motive of her own sudden appearance. 

As Hetty approached the chiefs, they opened their little 
circle, with an ease and deference 4 of manner which would 
have done credit to men of more courtly origin. The chiefs 
soon discovered that there existed a necessity for an interpre- 
ter ; few of the Hurons present understanding the English 
language, and they but imperfectly. 

Wah-ta !-Wah was not sorry to be called upon to be present 
at the interview, and least of all in the character in which she 
was now wanted. As soon as Hist was seated by the side of 
Hetty, the old chief desired her to ask “the fair young pale- 
face” what had brought her among the Iroquois, and what 
they could do to serve her. 

“Tell them. Hist, who I am — Thomas Hutter’s youngest 
daughter ; Thomas Hutter, the older of their two prisoners ; 
he who owns the castle and the ark. But ask them first. 


1 indifference to joy, grief, pain, or other 3 interceding for another, 

emotion. 4 respect. 

2 strongly disapproving of. 


HETTY VISITS HIST. 


61 


Hist, if they know that there is a God who reigns over the 
whole earth, and is ruler and chief of all who live, let them 
be red or white, or what color they may ? ” 

Wah-ta !-Wah looked a little surprised at this question for 
the idea of the Great Spirit is seldom long absent from the 
mind of an Indian girl. She put the question as literally as 
possible, and received a grave answer in the affirmative. 

“This is right,” continued Hetty, “and my duty will now 
be light. This Great Spirit, as you call our God, has caused 
a book to be written, which we call the Bible, and in this 
book are the rules by which men are to live.” 

As Hetty concluded, she reverently unrolled a small Eng- 
lish Bible from its envelope of coarse calico, at the same time 
saying : “ This is the sacred volume, Hist, and these words, 
and lines, and verses, and chapters, all come from .God ! ” 
Before Hetty resumed, she inquired earnestly of Hist if the 
chiefs had understood her, and receiving an evasive 1 answer, 
was fain to be satisfied. 

“ I will now read to the warriors some of the verses,” con- 
tinued the girl, whose manner grew more solemn and earnest 
as she proceeded. “First, then, ye are commanded to ‘Love 
thy neighbor as thyself/ Tell them that, dear Hist.” 

“Neighbor for Injin no mean pale-face,” answered the 
Delaware girl, with more decision than she had hitherto 
thought it necessary to use. “ Neighbor mean Iroquois for 
Iroquois, Mohican for Mohican, pale-face for pale-face. No 
need tell chief anything else.” 

“ You forget, Hist, these are the words of the Great Spirit, 
and the chiefs must obey them as well as others. Here is 
another commandment: ‘Whosoever shall smite thee on the 
right cheek, turn to him the other also/” 

By this time Hetty had become excited; her eye gleamed 
with the earnestness of her feelings, her cheeks flushed, and 
her voice, usually low, became stronger and more impressive. 

1 avoiding a direct answer. 


62 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


With the Bible she had been early made familiar by her 
mother; and she now turned from passage to passage, cull- 
ing such verses as taught the sublime lessons of Christian 
charity and Christian forgiveness. 

“ This is the good-book of the pale-faces,” observed one of 
the chiefs, taking the volume from the unresisting hand of 
Hetty, who gazed anxiously at his face while he turned the 
leaves, as if she expected some visible results from the cir- 
cumstance. “ This is the law by which my white brethren 
profess to live?” 

Hist, to whom this question was addressed, if it might be 
considered as addressed to any one in particular, answered 
simply in the affirmative, adding that both the French of 
the Canadas and the Yengeese of the British provinces equally 
admitted its authority, and affected 1 to revere 2 its principles. 

“ Tell my young sister,” said the Huron, looking directly 
at Hist, “that I will open my mouth and say a few words.” 

“The Iroquois chief go to speak — my pale-face friend lis- 
ten,” said Hist. 

“I rejoice to hear it!” exclaimed Hetty. “Cod has 
touched his heart, and he will now let father and Hurry go!” 

“This is the pale-face law,” resumed the chief. “It tells 
him to do good to them that hurt him ; and when his brother 
asks him for his rifle, to give him the powder-horn, too. 
Such is the pale-face law ?” 

“Not so — not so,” answered Hetty earnestly, when those 
words had been interpreted. “There- is not a word about 
rifles in the whole book ; and powder and bullets give offence 
to the Great Spirit.” 

“Why, then, does the pale-face use them? If he is or- 
dered to give double to him that asks only for one thing, 
why does he take double from the poor Indians who ask for 
no thing? He comes from beyond the rising sun, with his 
book in his hand, and he teaches the red-man to read it ; but 

1 professed. 2 regard with profound respect. 


HETTY VISITS HIST. 


63 


why does he forget himself all it says? When the Indian 
gives, he is never satisfied ; and now he offers gold for the 
scalps of our women and children, though he calls us beasts 
if we take the scalp of a warrior killed in open war. My 
name is Rivenoak.” 

Hetty was more and more embarrassed, until, overcome 
with the apprehension that she had failed in her object, and 
that the lives of her father and Hurry would be the forfeit of 
some blunder of her own, she burst into tears. 

Hist now perceived that one of the warriors had left the 
group’, and was already returning to it with Hutter and 
Hurry. Understanding that the two latter were to become 
parties in the inquiry she became mute, with the unhesitat- 
ing obedience of an Indian woman. In a few seconds, the 
prisoners stood face to face with the principal men of the 
captors. 

“ Daughter,” said the senior chief to the young Delaware, 
“ask this greybeard why he came into our camp ?” 

The question was put by Hist in her own imperfect English, 
but in a way easy to be understood. Hutter was too stern 
and obdurate 1 by nature to shrink from the consequences of 
any of his acts, and he was also too familiar with the opinions 
of the savages not to understand that nothing was to be 
gained by equivocation , 2 or an unmanly dread of their anger. 
Without hesitating, therefore, he avowed 3 the purpose with 
which he had landed, merely justifying it by the fact that the 
government of the province had bid high for scalps. 

As soon as the chiefs had received this answer, they walked 
away in silence, like men who deemed the matter disposed 
of, all Hetty’s dogmas 4 being thrown away on beings trained 
in violence from infancy to manhood. Hetty and Hist were 
now left alone with Hutter and Hurry, no visible restraint 

1 unyielding, stubborn. 3 declared openly. 

2 answering with double meaning, in- * religious beliefs ; positive statements, 

tending to mislead. 


64 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


being placed on the movements of either, though all four, in 
fact, were vigilantly and unceasingly watched. Hutter spoke 
in Hist’s presence more openly than he might otherwise have 
thought it prudent to do, inducing Hurry to be equally un- 
guarded by his example. 

“I’ll not blame you, Hetty, for coming on this errand, 
which was well meant, if not very wisely planned,” said the 
father, seating himself by the side of his daughter and taking 
her hand, a sign of affection that this rude being was ac- 
customed to manifest to this particular child. “ Has Deer- 
slayer sent any message, or has he any scheme by which he 
thinks to get us free ? ” 

“ Father,” said Hetty, “neither Deerslayer nor Judith 
knew of my coming until I had left the ark. They are afraid 
the Iroquois will make a raft and try to get off to the hut, 
and they think more of defending that than coming to aid 
you.” 

“ Ho loud talk,” said Hist ; “ some Iroquois got Yengeese 
tongue, and all got Yengeese ear.” 

“I little like this cold neglect of the savages. Hurry ; it’s a 
proof that they think of something serious, and if we are to 
do anything, we must do it soon. Can we count on this 
young woman, think you ?” 

“ Listen,” said Hist, quickly, and with an earnestness 
which proved how much her feelings were concerned ; “ Wah- 
ta !-Wah no Iroquois — all over Delaware — got Delaware 
heart. She prisoner, too. One prisoner help t’other pris- 
oner. Ho- good to talk more now. Darter stay with father 
— Wah-ta !-Wah come and see friend — all look right — 
then tell what he do.” 

This was said in a low voice, but distinctly, and in a man- 
ner to make an impression. As soon as it was uttered the 
girl arose and left the group, walking composedly toward 
the hut she occupied, as if she had no further interest in 
what might pass between the three pale-faces. 


OPENING THE CHEST. 


65 


CHAPTER VI. 

OPENING THE CHEST. 

W E left the occupants of the castle and the ark buried in 
sleep. At the first signs of the dawn, Deerslayer arose and 
made his personal arrangements for the day, though his com- 
panion, whose nights had not been tranquil , 1 or without dis- 
turbance of late, continued on his blanket until the sun had 
fairly risen. J udith, too, was later than usual that morning, 
for the earlier hours of the night had brought her little of 
either refreshment or sleep. But ere the sun had shown 
himself over the eastern hills, these two were up and afoot, 
even the tardy in that region seldom remaining on their 
pallets 2 after the appearance of the great luminary . 3 

Chingachgook was in the act of arranging his forest toilet 
when Deerslayer entered the cabin of the ark, and threw him 
a few coarse but light summer vestments that belonged to 
Hutter. Chingachgook, or the Serpent, eyed the vestments 
with strong disgust ; but he saw the usefulness of the dis- 
guise, if not its absolute necessity. 

The meeting at the morning meal of the three islanders, if 
we may use the term, was silent, grave, and thoughtful. 
Judith, whose heart was full, and whose novel feelings dis- 
posed her to entertain sentiments more gentle and tender than 
common, introduced the subject, and this in a way to show 
how much of her thoughts it had occupied in the course of 
the last sleepless night. 

“ It would be dreadful, Deerslayer,” said the girl abruptly, 
“ should anything serious befall father and Hetty l We can- 
not remain quietly here and leave them in the hands of the 
Iroquois, without bethinking us of some means of serving 
them.” 

i peaceful. 2 small, rucle beds. 3 whatever gives light ; here, the sun. 


66 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“Tin ready, Judith, to sarve them, and all others who are 
in trouble, could the way to do it be pointed out. Have you 
any scheme that you would like to have the Sarpent and me 
indivor to carry out? For myself, I see no other means of 
release than by bribing the Iroquois.” 

“ ’ Tis as you say, Deerslayer ; the Indians will not be likely 
to give up their prisoners without a bribe, and a heavier bribe 
than my clothes can offer and my father’s rifle and powder. 
But there is the chest.” 

“Ay, there is the chist, as you say, Judith. Hid your 
father ever give you any downright command consarning that 
chist ? ” 

“Never. He has always appeared to think its locks, and 
its steel bands, and its strength, its best protection. Deerslayer, 
if we can find the key, I will authorize you to open the chest, 
and to take such things from it as you may think will buy 
father’s ransom.” 

The three now spent some time searching the different 
parts of the building for the key. It was not long before the 
outer room had been thoroughly examined, but no key was 
found ; then they entered the sleeping room of the daughters 
and began their search. Chingachgook examined carefully 
the clothing belonging to Hetty, but without any success. 
Underneath where they hung and on an adjoining peg was a 
pocket, apparently empty, this was not examined. By this 
time the attention of Judith was called in that direction, and 
she spoke hurriedly, and like one who wished to save unnec- 
essary trouble. 

“These are only the clothes of poor Hetty, dear simple 
girl,” she said ; “ nothing we seek would likely to be there.” 

The words were hardly out of the handsome mouth of the 
speaker, when Chingachgook drew the desired key from the 
pocket. The Deerslayer, who had taken the key from the 
Indian, led the way into the adjoining room, and applying it 
to a lock, ascertained that the right instrument had actually 


OPENING THE CHEST. 


G7 


been found. There were three padlocks, each of which, 
however, was easily opened by this single key. Deerslayer 
removed them all, loosened the hasps, and raised the lid a 
little to make certain that it was loose. 

Judith had held this chest and its unknown contents in a 
species 1 of reverence as long as she could remember. Neither 
her father nor her mother ever mentioned it in her presence; 
and there appeared to be a silent convention that in naming 
the different objects that occasionally stood near it or even 
lay on its lid, care should be had to avoid any allusion 2 to 
the chest itself. Habit had rendered this so easy, and so 
much a matter of course, that it was only quite recently that 
the girl had begun even to muse on the singularity of the 
circumstance. 

“ I cannot raise the lid, Deerslayer,” said Judith ; “ had we 
not better give up the attempt, and find some other means of 
releasing the prisoners ? ” 

“ Not so, Judith ; not so, gal. No means are as sartain 
and easy as a good bribe,” answered Deerslayer. As he spoke, 
he applied his own strength to the effort and succeeded in 
raising the lid against the timbers of the house, where he took 
care to secure it by a sufficient prop. Judith fairly trembled 
as she cast her first glance at the interior ; and she felt a tem- 
porary relief in discovering that a piece of canvas, that was 
carefully tucked in around the edges, effectually concealed 
all beneath it. The chest was apparently well stored, how- 
ever, the canvas lying within an inch of the lid. 

f‘ Here’s a full cargo,” said Deerslayer, eyeing the arrange- 
ment.; “ and we had needs go to work leisurely and at our ease. 
Sarpent, bring some stools, while I spread this blanket on 
the floor, and then we’ll begin work orderly and in comfort.” 

The Delaware complied ; Deerslayer civilly placed a stool 
for Judith, took one himself, and commenced the removal of 
the canvas covering. This was done deliberately, and in as 


1 kind, sort. 


2 reference. 


68 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


cautious a manner as if it were believed that fabrics 1 of a 
delicate construction lay hidden beneath. When the canvas 
was removed, the first articles that came in view were some 
of the habiliments 2 of the male sex. These were of fine ma- 
terials, and, according to the fashions of the age, were gay in 
colors and rich in ornaments. One coat, in particular, was of 
scarlet, and had buttonholes worked in gold thread. 

This tempting garment, one surely that was never intended 
for Hutter, was laid aside, and the examination proceeded. 
The male attire, all of which corresponded with the coat in 
quality, was soon exhausted, and then succeeded the female 
attire. 

It appearing to be admitted all round that the inquiry into the 
contents of the chest ought to be pushed further, Deerslayer 
therefore proceeded to remove the second covering of canvas. 

The articles that lay uppermost when the curtain was again 
raised on the secrets of the chest were a pair of pistols, curi- 
ously inlaid with silver. No sooner did Deerslayer raise the 
pistols, than he turned to the Delaware, and held them up 
for his admiration. 

“ Child gun,” said the Serpent, smiling, while he handled 
one of the weapons as if it had been a toy. 

“We shall do a good turn to the owner if we fire these 
pistols for him,” said Deerslayer ; “ and as they’re novelties 
to you and me, Sarpent, we’ll try our hands at a mark. 
Freshen that priming, and I’ll do the same with this, and 
then we’ll see who is the best man with a pistol ; as for a 
rifle, that’s long been settled at ween us.” 

Chingachgook raised the weapon several times, endeav- 
ored to steady it by using both hands, changed his attitude 
from one that was awkward to another still more so, and 
finally drew the trigger with a sort of desperate indifference, 
without having, in reality, taken any aim at all. The conse- 
quence was, that instead of hitting the knot, which had been 

1 any manufactured articles. 2 articles of dress. 


OPENING THE CHEST. 


69 


selected for the mark, he missed the ark altogether ; the bullet 
skipping along the water like a stone that had been thrown 
by hand. 

“Well done, Sarpent — well done!” cried Deerslayer, 
laughing with noiseless glee ; “ you've hit the lake, and that's 
an exploit for some men ! Now, stand back, and let us see 
what white gifts can do with a white we'pon.” 

The aim of Deerslayer was both quick and steady, and the 
report followed almost as soon as the weapon rose. Still the 
pistol hung fire, as it is termed, and fragments of it flew in a 
dozen directions, some falling on the roof of the castle, others 
in the ark and one in the water. 

“ Thomas Hutter is master of one pistol less,” said Deer- 
slayer, “ than he was this morning ; but, as it happened in 
trying to sarve him, there's no ground of complaint.” 

Deerslayer now opened a small bag, from which he took, 
one by one, the pieces of a set of chessmen. They were of 
ivory, much larger than common, and exquisitely 1 wrought. 
Each piece represented the character or thing after which it 
is named ; the knights being mounted, the castles stood on 
elephants, and even the pawns possessed the heads and busts 
of men. The set was not complete, and a few fractures be- 
trayed bad usage ; but all that was left had been carefully put 
away and preserved. Even Judith expressed wonder as these 
novel objects were placed before her eyes, and Chingachgook 
fairly forgot his Indian dignity in admiration and delight. 
The latter took up each piece, and examined it with never- 
tiring satisfaction, pointing out to the girl the more ingenious 
and striking portions of workmanship. But the elephants 
gave him the greatest pleasure. 

“ Good for Iroquois ! ” said Chingachgook, parting with 
one of the castles with reluctance, as his friend took it from 
him to replace it in the bag. “Elephon buy whole tribe — 
buy Delaware almost ! ” 


i richly, delicately. 


70 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


It was agreed generally that nothing could be more likely 
to tempt the cupidity 1 of the Iroquois than the elephants in 
particular. Luckily the whole of the castles were among the 
pieces, and these four tower-bearing animals it was finally 
determined should be the ransom offered. The remainder 
of the men, and, indeed, all the rest of the articles in the 
chest were to be kept out of view, and to be resorted to only 
as a last appeal. As soon as these preliminaries were settled, 
everything but those intended for the bribe was carefully re- 
placed in the chest, and all the covers w’ere “ tucked in ” as 
they had been found. When this was done, the lid was low- 
ered, the padlocks replaced, and the key turned. The latter 
was then replaced in the pocket from which it had been 
taken. More than an hour was consumed in settling the 
course proper to be pursued, and in returning everything to 
its place. 

“ Well, Judith,” said Deerslayer, “all this time Hurry and 
your father, not to say Hetty — ” 

The word was cut short in the speaker’s mouth, for, a-t 
that critical moment, a light step was heard on the platform 
or courtyard, a human figure darkened the door-way, and the 
person last mentioned stood before him. The low exclama- 
tion that escaped Deerslayer, and the slight scream of Judith, 
were hardly uttered, when an Indian youth between the ages 
of fifteen and seventeen stood beside her. Deerslayer spoke 
rapidly in Delaware to his friend, cautioning him to keep out 
of sight w T hile he stood on his guard ; then he stepped to the 
door to ascertain the extent of the danger. Ho one else, 
however, had come ; and a simple contrivance, in the shape 
of a raft, that lay floating at the side of the ark, at once ex- 
plained the means used in bringing Hetty off. As soon as 
Deerslayer had taken a close survey of this raft, and satisfied 
himself nothing else was near, he shook his head and muttered 
in his soliloquising 2 way — 

1 eager desire for possession. 


2 talking to one’s self. 


OPENING THE CHEST. 


71 


“ This comes of prying into another man's chist ! Had we 
been watchful, and keen-eyed, such a surprise could never 
have happened. It opens the way, hows'ever, to a treaty for 
the ransom, and I will hear what Hetty has to say." 

Judith, as soon as her surprise and alarm had a little 
abated, discovered a proper share of affectionate joy at the 
return of her sister. Hetty, at her sister's request, took a 
seat and entered into an account of her adventures since they 
had parted. Her tale commenced just as Deerslayer returned, 
and he also became an attentive listener, while the young 
Iroquois stood near the door, seemingly as indifferent to what 
was passing as one of its posts. 

The narrative of the girl was sufficiently clear, until she 
reached the time when we left her in the camp, after the in- 
terview with the chiefs, and at the moment when Hist quitted 
her in the abrupt manner already stated. The sequel 1 of the 
story may be told in her own language. 

“I did not stay long with father and Hurry, but went to 
get my breakfast with Hist. As soon as we had done, the 
chiefs came to us, and then we found the fruits of the seed 
that had been planted. They said what I had read from the 
good book was right — it must be right — it sounded right; 
like a sweet bird singing in their ears; and they told me to 
come back and say as much to the great warrior who had 
slain one of their braves, and to tell it to you, and to say how 
happy they should be to come to church here in the castle, or to 
come out in the sun, and hear me read more of the sacred 
volume — and to tell you that they wish you would lend them 
some canoes, that they can bring Father and Hurry and their 
women to the castle, that we might all sit on the platform 
there and listen to the singing of the pale-face Manitou . 2 
There, Judith, did you ever know of anything that so plainly 
shows the power of the Bible as that ? " 

“ If it were true 'twould be a miracle, indeed, Hetty. But 


1 the remaining part. 


2 Indian name for Great Spirit, or God. 


72 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


all this is no more than Indian cunning and Indian treachery, 
striving to get the better of us by management, when they 
find it is not to be done by force." 

“ Oh ! no, Deerslayer. The raft was ready made, and in 
the water — could that have been by a miracle, Judith ? " 

“Yes — yes — an Indian miracle," rejoined the hunter. 
“They’re expart enough in them sort of miracles. Judith, 
do you and Hetty leave us together, first bringing me the 
elephants which the Sarpent is admiring; for Twill never do 
to let this loping deer 1 be alone a minute, or heTl borrow a 
canoe without asking." 

Judith did as desired, first bringing the pieces, and then 
retiring with her sister into her room. Deerslayer had ac- 
quired some knowledge of most of the Indian dialects 2 of that 
region, and he knew enough of the Iroquois to hold a dialogue 
in the language. Beckoning to the lad, therefore, he caused 
him to take a seat on the chest, when he placed two of the 
castles suddenly before him. Up to that moment this youth- 
ful savage had not expressed a single intelligible emotion or 
fancy. There were many things, in and about the place that 
were novelties to him, but he had maintained his self-com- 
mand with calm composure. When Deerslayer thought suffi- 
cient time had been allowed to produce the desired effect, the 
hunter laid a finger on the naked knee of the youth, and drew 
his attention to himself. 

“Listen," he said; “ I want to talk with my young friend 
from the Canadas. Let him forget that wonder for a minute." 

“ Where t’other pale brother ? " demanded the boy, looking 
up and letting the idea that had been most prominent in his 
mind, previous to the introduction of the chessmen, escape 
him involuntarily. 

“He sleeps — or if he isn’t fairly asleep, he is in the room 
where the men do sleep," returned Deerslayer. “How did 
my young friend know there was another ? ’’ 

1 Indian who accompanied Hetty. 2 varieties of a language. 


OPENING THE CHEST. 


73 


“ See him from the shore. Iroquois have long eyes — see 
beyond the clouds — see the bottom of the great spring ! ” 

“ Well, the Iroquois are welcome. Two pale-faces are pris- 
oners in the camp of your fathers, boy.” 

The lad nodded, treating the circumstance with great ap- 
parent indifference ; though a moment after he laughed as if 
exulting in the superior address of his own tribe. 

“ Can you tell me, boy, what your chiefs intend to do with 
these captives ; or have n't they made up their minds ? ” 

The lad looked a moment at the hunter with a little sur- 
prise, then he coolly put the end of his forefinger on his own 
head, just above the left ear, and passed it around his crown, 
with an accuracy and readiness that showed how well he had 
been drilled in the peculiar art of his race. 

“ When?” demanded Deerslayer, whose gorge 1 rose at this 
cool demonstration of indifference to human life. “And 
why not take them to your wigwams ? ” 

“ Road too long, and full of pale-faces. Wigwam full, and 
scalp sell high. Small scalp, much gold.” 

“Well, that explains it — yes, that does explain it. Now, 
you know, my lad, that the oldest of your prisoners is the 
father of these two young women, and the other is the suitor 
of one of them. The gals nat ’rally wish to save the scalps of 
such fr’ends, and they will give them two ivory cre’tur’s as 
ransom, one for each scalp. Go back and tell this to your 
chief, and bring me the answer before the sun sets.” 

The boy entered zealously 2 into this project, and with a 
sincerity that left no doubt of his executing his commission 3 
with intelligence and promptitude. He rowed slowly away 
from the castle, taking the direction of a thicket on the shore 
that lay less than a mile distant. Deerslayer seated himself 
on a stool and watched the progress of the ambassador 4 ; 
sometimes closely scanning the whole line of shore, as far as 


1 here meaning anger, spirit of resentment. 3 business entrusted to him. 

2 eagerly, with enthusiasm. 4 one sent on an important mission. 


Y4 


TUB DEERSLAYER. 


the eye could reach, and then placing an elbow on each knee, 
he remained a long time with his chin resting on his hand. 

During the interview between Deerslayer and the lad, a 
different scene took place in an adjoining room. Hetty had 
inquired for the Delaware, and being told why and where he 
remained concealed, she joined him. The reception which 
Chingachgook gave his visitor was respectful and gentle. 

“You are Chingachgook — the Great Serpent of the Dela- 
wares, ar'n't you ? ” the girl at length commenced. 

“ Chin-gach-gook,” returned the Delaware, with grave dig- 
nity. “ That say Great Serpent in Deerslayer tongue.” 

“ Chin-gach-gook,” repeated Hetty, in the same deliberate 
manner. “ Yes, so Hist call it, and you must be the chief.” 

“Wah-ta !-Wah,” added the Delaware. 

“ Wah-ta! -Wah, or Hist-on! -Hist. I think Hist prettier 
than Wah, and so I call her Hist.” 

“ Wah! very sweet to Delaware ears ! ” 

“You make it sound differently from me. But, never 
mind ; I did hear the bird you speak of sing, Great Serpent.” 

“ Will my sister say words of song ? What she sing most — 
how she look — often she laugh ? ” 

“She sang Chin-gach-gook oftener than anything else; 
and she laughed heartily when I told her how the Iroquois 
waded into the water after us, and couldn't catch us. I hope 
these logs haven't ears, Serpent ? ” 

“ No fear logs ; fear sister next room. No fear Iroquois ; 
Deerslayer stuff his eyes and ears with strange beast.” 

“Hist told me to say, in a very low voice, that you mustn't 
trust the Iroquois in anything. They are more artful than 
any Indians she knows. Then, she says, that there is a large 
bright star that comes over hill about an hour after dark, — 
(Hist had pointed out the planet Venus, without knowing it) 
and just as that star comes in sight, she will be on the point 
where I landed last night, and that you must come for her in 
a canoe.” 


RANSOMED. 


Chingachgook observed that he understood, and gravely 
bowed. The voice of Deerslayer was heard calling for his 
friend, in the outer room. At this summons the Serpent 
rose to obey, and Hetty joined her sister. 


CHAPTER VII. 

RANSOMED. 

Deerslayer told Chingachgook about the negotiation for 
the ransom and the expectation of an attack from the Iroquois. 
They hastily removed the most important things from the 
castle to the ark, since this seemed the only means of security. 
Soon the raft made its appearance, moving from the shore. 

Deerslayer immediately had recourse to the glass, by the 
aid of which he perceived that two warriors were on it, 
though they appeared to be unarmed. The progress of the 
raft was slow, a circumstance that formed one of the great 
advantages that would be possessed by the scow in any 
future collision between them ; the movements of the lat- 
ter 1 being comparatively swift and light. As there was 
time to make the dispositions for the reception of the two 
dangerous visitors, everything was prepared for them long 
before they had got near enough to be hailed. The Serpent 
and the girls retired into the building, where the former stood 
nfear the door, well provided with rifles, while Judith watched 
the proceedings without through a loop. As for Deerslayer, 
he had brought a stool to the edge of the platform, at the 
point towards which the raft was advancing, and taken his 
seat, with his rifle leaning carelessly between his legs. 

As the raft drew nearer, every means possessed by the party 
in the castle was resorted to, in order to ascertain if their 
visitors had fire-arms. Neither Deerslayer nor Chingach- 


THE DEERSLAYER, 


gook could discover any ; but Judith, unwilling to trust to 
simple eyesight, thrust the glass through the loop, and 
directed it towards the hemlock boughs that lay between the 
two logs of the raft, forming a sort of flooring, as well as a 
seat for the use of the rowers. When the heavy moving craft 
was within fifty feet of him, Deerslayer hailed the Hurons, 
directing them to cease rowing, it not being his intention to 
permit them to land. 

“My brother, Hawkeye, has sent a message to the Hu- 
rons,” began Eivenoak, one of the warriors, “and it has 
made their hearts very glad. They hear that he has images of 
beasts with two tails ! Will he show them to his friends?” 

“ Inimies would be truer,” returned Deerslayer ; “ but 
sound isn’t sense, and does little harm. Here is one of the 
images ; I toss it to you under the faith of treaties. If it’s 
not returned, the rifle will settle the p’int atween us.” 

The Iroquois seemed to acquiesce 1 in the conditions, and 
Deerslayer arose and tossed one of the elephants to the raft, 
both parties using all the precaution that was necessary to 
prevent its loss. 

After examining the image for some time, the savage pre- 
tended that further negotiation was useless, since he could 
not be so unjust to his tribe as to part with the honor and 
emoluments 2 of two excellent, full-grown male scalps, for a 
consideration so trifling as a toy like that he had seen — and 
he prepared to take his departure. 

It was fortunate for Deerslayer that the keen and bright 
eyes of Judith were as vigilant as ever. At the instant when 
the young man was least on his guard, and his enemy was 
most on the alert, she called out in a warning voice to the 
former, most opportunely giving the alarm. 

“Be on your guard, Deerslayer,” the girl cried ; “I see 
rifles, with the glass, beneath the hemlock brush, and the 
Iroquois is loosening them with his feet ! ” 

1 yield assent, agree to. 2 profits, gains. 


RANSOMED. 


77 


The other warrior now approached the end of the raft 
which was nearest to the platform, and spoke : 

“Why should Rivenoak and his brother leave any cloud 
between them ? ” he said. “ They are both wise, both brave, 
and both generous ; they ought to part friends. One beast 
shall be the price of one prisoner.” 

“And Mingo,” answered the other, delighted to renew the 
negotiation on almost any terms, and determined to clinch 
the bargain, if possible, by a little extra liberality,” youdl see 
that a pale-face knows how to pay a full price when he trades 
with an open heart and an open hand. Keep the beast that 
you had forgotten to give back to me, as you were about to 
start, and which I forgot to ask for, on account of consarn at 
parting in anger. Show it to your chiefs. When you bring 
us our friends, two more shall be added to it — and ” — hesi- 
tating a moment in distrust of the expediency 1 of so great a 
concession , 2 then, deciding in its favor — “and, if we see 
them afore the sun sets, we may find a fourth, to make up 
an even number.” 

This settled the matter. The two Indians took their de- 
parture, moving slowly towards the shore. 

Not long before the sun had finally disappeared, the raft 
was seen coming out of the thicket again ; and, as it drew 
near, Judith announced that her father and Hurry, both 
of them pinioned , 3 lay on the bushes in the center. As 
before, the Indians were rowing. The latter seemed to be 
conscious that the lateness of the hour demanded unusual 
exertion, and they labored hard at the rude substitutes for 
oars. In consequence of this diligence, the raft occupied its 
old station in about half the time that had been taken in the 
previous visits. 

Even after the conditions had been so well understood, and 
matters had proceeded so far, the actual transfer of the pris- 
oners was not a duty to be executed without difficulty. The 

l good policy, advisability. 2 what is yielded or assented to. 3 bound. 


78 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


Iroquois were compelled to place great reliance on the good 
faith of their foes, though it was reluctantly given. As soon 
as Hutter and Hurry should be released, the party in the 
castle numbered two to one, as opposed to those on the raft, 
and escape by flight was out of the question, as the former 
had three bark canoes, to say nothing of the defenses of the 
house and the ark. All this was understood by both parties, 
and it is probable the arrangement never could have been 
completed, had not the honest countenance and manner of 
Deerslayer wrought their usual effect on Rivenoak. 

“My brother knows I put faith in him,” said the latter, 
as he advanced with Hutter, whose legs had been released to 
enable the old man to ascend to the platform. “One scalp 
— one more beast.” 

“ Stop, Mingo,” interrupted the hunter, “ Keep your pris- 
oner a moment. I have to go and seek the means of payment.” 

This excuse, however, though true in part, was principally 
a ruse. 1 Deerslayer left the platform, and, entering the 
house, he directed Judith to collect all the arms, and to con- 
ceal them in her own room. He then spoke earnestly to the 
Delaware, who stood on guard as before, near the entrance 
of the building, put the three remaining castles in his pocket, 
and returned. 

“You are welcome back to your old abode, Master Hutter,” 
said Deerslayer, as he helped the other upon the platform, 
slily passing into the hand of Rivenoak, at the same time, 
another of the castles. “You’ll find your darters right glad 
to see you ; and here’s Hetty come herself to say as much in 
her own behalf.” 

Here the hunter stopped speaking of his own accord, and 
broke out into a hearty fit of his silent and peculiar laughter. 
Hurry’s legs were just released, and he had been placed on 
his feet. So tightly had the ligatures 2 been drawn, that the 
use of his limbs was not immediately recovered, and the 

1 action intended to blind or deceive. 2 bands which confined their limbs. 


RANSOMED. 


79 


young giant presented, in good sooth , 1 a very helpless and a 
somewhat ludicrous 2 picture. It was this unusual spectacle, 
particularly the bewildered countenance, that excited the 
merriment of Deerslayer. 

“ You look like a girdled pine in a clearin', Hurry Harry, 
that is rocking in a gale," said Deerslayer. “ I am glad, 
hows'ever, to see that you haven't had your hair dressed by 
any of the Iroquois barbers in your late visit to their camp." 

“Harkee, Deerslayer," returned the other, a little fiercely, 
“ it will be prudent for you to deal less in mirth and more in 
friendship on this occasion." 

Deerslayer released the arms of his friends as each landed, 
and the two were now stamping and limping about on the 
platform, growling and uttering denunciations 3 as they en- 
deavored to help the returning circulation. 

Hurry, noticing how fast the raft was getting beyond the 
reach of his vengeance, seized the rifle that lay against the 
shoulder of the Deerslayer, and attempted to cock and present 
it. The young hunter was too quick for him. Seizing the 
piece, he wrenched it from the hands of the giant, not, how- 
ever, until it had gone off in the struggle, when pointed di- 
rectly upward: The instant the gun went off, March stumped 
towards the house, raising his legs at each step quite a foot 
from the ground, from an uncertainty of the actual position 
of his feet. But he had been anticipated by Judith. The 
whole stock of Ilutter's arms had been removed, and were 
already secreted, agreeable to Deerslayer’s directions. In con- 
sequence of this precaution, no means offered by which March 
could put his design in execution. 

By this time the raft had disappeared, and night was be- 
ginning to throw her shadows once more over the whole syl- 
van scene. 

1 in truth. 2 laughable. 3 angry condemnations. 


80 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

DEERSLAYER AO CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 

The two ransomed prisoners felt humbled and dishonored, 
but their humility partook of the rancor 1 of revenge. As 
for the others, they were thoughtful equally from regret and 
joy. The Delaware had also lively pictures of felicity in the 
prospect of so soon regaining his betrothed. Under such cir- 
cumstances, and in this mood, all were taking the evening 
meal. 

Hutter soon rose, and, signing to Deerslayer, led him to an 
inner room, where, in answer to his questions, he first learned 
the price that had been paid for his release. The old man 
expressed neither resentment nor surprise at the inroad that 
had been made on his chest, though he did manifest some 
curiosity to know how far the investigation of its contents had 
been carried. He also inquired where the key had been 
found. The habitual frankness of Deerslayer prevented any 
prevarication, and the conference soon terminated by the re- 
turn of the two to the outer room. 

“ I wonder if it's peace or war between us and the savages,” 
exclaimed Hurry, just as Deerslayer, who had paused for a 
single instant, listened ^attentively, and was passing through 
the outer door without stopping. 

“There’s an answer to your question, Hurry, since you’re 
in such haste to come ag’n to blows.” 

As Deerslayer spoke, he threw on the table, on which the 
other was reclining with one elbow, a sort of miniature 2 fagot, 
composed of a dozen sticks, bound tightly together with a 
deer-skin thong. March seized it eagerly, and holding it close 
to a blazing knot of pine that lay on the hearth, ascertained 
that the ends of the several sticks had been dipped in blood. 

1 bitter hatred. 2 much smaller than the ordinary size. 


DEERSLAYER AND CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 81 


“If this isn’t plain English/’ said the reckless frontier- 
man, “it’s plain Injun ! Here’s what they call a dicliration 
of war down at York, Judith. How did you come by this 
defiance, Deerslayer ? ” 

“Fairly enough. It lay, not a minut’ since, in what you 
call Floatin’ Tom’s door-yard.” 

Deerslayer had approached a window, and cast a glance out 
of it, on the dark aspect of the lake. As if satisfied with 
what he beheld, he drew near Hurry, took the bundle of 
sticks into his own hand, and examined it attentively. 

“Yes, this is an Indian dicliration of war, sure enough,” 
he said, “and it’s proof how little you’re suited to be on the 
path it has traveled, Harry March, that it has got here, and 
you never the wiser as to the means.” 

Hutter pulled Harry by the sleeve, and led him into the 
ark. There they sat long in private conference. In the 
meantime the Indian and his friend had their secret consul- 
tation ; for, though it wanted some three or four hours of 
the rising of the star, the former could not abstain from can- 
vassing his scheme, and from opening his heart to the other. 

At length the several conferences were broken up by the 
reappearance of Hutter on the platform. Here he assembled 
the whole party, and communicated as much of his intentions 
as he deemed expedient. Of the arrangement made by Deer- 
slayer, to abandon the castle during the night and to take 
refuge in the ark, he entirely approved. It struck him as it 
had others, as the only effectual means of escaping destruc- 
tion. In short, the old man viewed the night as critical , 1 and 
he called on all to get ready as soon as possible, in order to 
abandon the dwelling, temporarily at least, if not forever. 

These communications made, everything proceeded prompt- 
ly and with intelligence ; the castle was secured, the canoes 
were withdrawn from the dock, and fastened to the ark by 
the side of each other ; the few necessaries that had beep left 

1 peculiarly important, filled with possible danger. 


82 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


in the house were transferred to the cabin, the fire was extin- 
guished, and all embarked. Hutter hoisted the sail, seem- 
ingly with the sole intention of getting away from the castle, 
as it might be dangerous to remain much longer in its 
vicinity. 

Deerslayer watched all the movements of Hutter and Hurry 
with jealous attention. At first, he did not know whether to 
ascribe the course they held to accident or to design ; but he 
now began to suspect the latter. For a considerable time 
Hurry, who had some knowledge of the Algonquin 1 language, 
had been in close conference with the Indian, and the result 
was now announced by the latter to Deerslayer, who had been 
a cold, not to say distrusted, looker-on of all that passed. 

“My old father, and my young brother, the Big Pine,” — 
so the Delaware had named March — “want to see Huron 
scalps at their belts,” said Chingachgook to his friend. 
“ There is room for some on the girdle of the Serpent, and 
his people will look for them when he goes back to the vil- 
lage. Their eyes must not be left long in a fog ; but they 
must see what they look for. I know that my brother has 
a white hand ; he will not strike even the dead. He will 
wait for us ; when we come back, he will not hide his face for 
shame for his friend.” 

The Indian then joined his two co-adventurers, and first 
lowering the sail, they all three entered a canoe, and left the 
side of the ark. Neither Hutter nor March spoke to Deer- 
slayer concerning their object. The controlling influence that 
led Hutter and Hurry to repeat their experiment against the 
camp was precisely that which had induced the first attempt, 
a little heightened, j^erhaps, by the desire of revenge. 

Hutter steered the canoe; Hurry had manfully taken post 
in the bows, and Chingachgook stood in the center. The 
approach to the shore was made with great caution, and the 

1 widely-extended family of Indians, once living in the northern and eastern parts of 
the United States. The Delawares were Algonquins. 


DEERSLAYER AND CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 83 

landing was effected in safety. The three now prepared their 
arms, and began their tiger-like approach to the camp. The 
Indian was on the lead, his two companions treading in his 
footsteps, with a stealthy cautiousness of manner that ren- 
dered their progress almost literally noiseless. The manner in 
which the Indian approached the place that was supposed to 
contain enemies resembled the wily advances of the cat on 
the bird. As he drew near, he stooped to his hands and 
knees. No sound was audible; and this human Serpent 
thrust his head in at the opening of a hut, as another serpent 
would have peered in on the nest of a bird. Nothing rewarded 
the hazardous experiment; for, after feeling cautiously with 
a hand, the place was found to be empty. The Delaware pro- 
ceeded in the same guarded manner to one or two more of 
the huts, finding all in the same situation. He then returned 
to his companions, and informed them that the Hurons had 
deserted the camp. In a few minutes they were paddling 
sullenly back to the spot where they hoped to find the ark. 

The sail being down, the ark had not drifted far, and it 
was not long before Deerslayer heard Chingachgook in a low, 
quiet tone directing Hutter how to steer in order to reach it, 
In less time than it takes to tell the fact, the canoe touched 
the scow, and the adventurers entered the latter. Neither 
Hutter nor Hurry spoke of what had occurred; but the Dela- 
ware, in passing his friend, merely uttered the words, “fire’s 
out ; ” which, if not literally true, sufficiently explained the 
truth to the listener. 

It was now a question as to the course to be steered. A 
short surly 1 conference was held, when Hutter decided that 
the wisest way was to keep in motion, as the means most 
likely to defeat any attempt at a surprise — announcing his 
own and March’s intention to requite 2 themselves for the loss 
of sleep during their captivity by lying down. 

Deerslayer kept the craft as much in the bay as was pru- 


1 ill-natured. 


repay. 


84 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


dent. In this manner they had doubled one point, and were 
already in the bay that was terminated jiorth by the goal 1 at 
which they aimed. The latter was still a quarter of a mile 
distant, when Chingachgook came silently to the side of his 
friend, and pointed to a place directly ahead. A small fire 
was glimmering 2 just within thfe verge 3 of the bushes that 
lined the shore on the southern side of the point — leaving no 
doubt that the Indians had suddenly removed their camp to 
the very place, or at least to the very projection of land, 
where Hist had given them the rendezvous. 

This discovery was of great moment in the eyes of Deer- 
slayer and his friend. In the first place, there was the dan- 
ger, almost the certainty, that Hutter and Hurry would make 
a fresh attempt on this camp, should they awake and ascer- 
tain its position. Then there was the increased task of land- 
ing to bring off Hist ; and there were the general uncertainty 
and additional hazards that must follow from the circum- 
stances that their enemies had begun to change their positions. 

The situation in which the ark now lay had its advantages 
and its disadvantages. The fire had been hid by sheering 
toward the shore, and the latter was nearer, perhaps, than 
was desirable. It was believed no raft could be within miles, 
and though the trees in the darkness appeared almost to over- 
hang the scow, it would not be easy to get off to her without 
using a boat. The intense darkness that prevailed so close in 
with the forest, too, served as an effectual 4 screen ; and so 
long as care was had not to make a noise, there was little or 
no danger of being detected. All these things Deerslayer 
pointed out to Judith, instructing her as to the course she 
was to follow in the event of an alarm, for it was thought to 
the last degree inexpedient to arouse the sleepers, unless it 
might be in the greatest emergency. 

1 place, object, or mark set to bound a 3 edge. 

race or journey. 4 accomplishing the desired purpose. 

2 burning with faint, unsteady light. 


DEERSLAYER AND CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 85 


“ And now, Judith, as we understand one another, it is 
time the Sarpent and I had taken to the canoe,” the hunter 
concluded. “ The star has not yet risen yet, it's true, but it 
soon must, though none of us are likely to be any wiser for it 
to-night, on account of the clouds. Howsoever, Hist has a 
ready mind, and she’s one of them that doesn’t always need 
to have a thing afore her to see it. I’ll warrant you she’ll 
not be either two minutes or two feet out of the way, unless 
them jealous vagabonds, the Mingos, have taken the alarm, 
and put her as a stool-pigeon to catch us, or have hid her 
away, in order to prepare her mind for a Huron instead of a 
Mohican husband.” 

“ Deerslayer,” interrupted the girl earnestly, “ this is a 
most dangerous service ; why do you go on it at all ? ” 

“ Anan ! — Why, you know, gal, we go to bring off Hist, 
the Sarpent’s betrothed — the maid he means to marry, as 
soon as we get back to the tribe.” 

“ That is all right for the Indian — but you do not mean 
to marry Hist — you are not betrothed, and why should tivo 
risk their lives and liberties, to do that which one can just as 
well perform ? ” 

“Now I understand you, Judith — yes, now I begin to 
take the idee. You think as Hist is the Sarpent’s betrothed, 
as they call it, and not mine, it’s altogether his affair. But 
you forget this is our ar’nd here, on the lake, and it would 
not tell well to forget an ar’nd just as the pinch came. Then, 
if love does count for so much with some people, particularly 
with young women, fri’ndship counts for something, too, 
with other some. I dares to say, the Delaware can paddle a 
canoe by himself, and can bring off Hist by himself, and 
perhaps he would like that quite as well as to have me with 
him ; but he couldn’t sarcumvent sarcumventions, stir up an 
ambushment, or fight with the savages and get his sweet- 
heart at the same time.” 

Chingachgook and his pale-faced friend now entered the 


86 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


canoe and set forth on their hazardous and delicate enter- 
prise with a coolness and method that would have done credit 
to men who were on their twentieth instead of being on their 
first warpath. Instead of steering in a direct line to the 
point, .then distant from the ark less than a quarter of a mile, 
Deerslayer laid the head of the canoe diagonally toward the 
center of the lake, with a view to obtain a position from 
which he might approach the shore, having his enemies in 
his front only. 

The utmost skill and precaution now became necessary in 
the management of the canoe. The paddles were lifted, and 
returned to the water, in a noiseless manner. As they got 
still more within the belt of darkness that girded the woods, 
it was seen that they were steering too far north, and the 
course was altered accordingly. The canoe now seemed to 
move by instinct, so cautious and deliberate were all its mo- 
tions. Still it continued to advance until its bows grated on 
the gravel of the beach, at the precise spot where Hetty had 
landed, and whence her voice had issued, the previous night, 
as the ark was passing. There was, as usual, a narrow strand, 
but bushes fringed the woods, and in most places overhung 
the water. 

Chingachgook stepped upon the beach, and cautiously ex- 
amined it, for some distance, on each side of the canoe. Ho 
Hist rewarded his search. The clouds had broken a little, 
apparently behind rather than above the hills, and the even- 
ing star was glittering among the branches of a pine. This 
was every way a flattering omen, and the young men leaned 
on their rifles, listening intently for the sound of approach- 
ing footsteps. Voices they often heard, and mingled with 
them were the suppressed cries of children, and the low but 
sweet laugh of Indian women. Deerslayer proposed that 
they should circle the point in the canoe ; and by getting a 
position close in, where the camp could be seen, reconnoitre 
the Indians, and thus enable themselves to form some plausi- 


DEERSLAYER AND CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 87 


ble 1 conjectures for the non-appearance of Hist. The Dela- 
ware, however, resolutely refused to quit the spot, plausibly 
enough offering as a reason the disappointment of the girl, 
should she arrive in his absence. 

As soon as Deerslayer was at his post again in the stern of 
the canoe, he left the shore with the same precautions, and 
in the same noiseless manner as he approached it. On this 
occasion he did not go far from the land, the bushes afford- 
ing a sufficient cover by keeping as close in as possible. 

Deerslayer had got nearly in a line between the camp and 
the ark before he caught a glimpse of the fire. The time 
was that moment of relaxation 2 and general indolence which 
is apt to succeed a hearty meal, and when the labors of the 
day have ended. Food being abundant, other care appeared 
to have subsided in the sense of enjoyment dependent on this 
all-important fact. Deerslayer saw at a glance that many of 
the warriors were absent. 

As a matter of course he looked eagerly and anxiously for 
the form of Hist. She was nowhere visible, though the light 
penetrated 3 to considerable distances in all directions around 
the fire. A young warrior’s form first came fairly into view ; 
then followed two youthful females, one of whom proved to 
be the Delaware girl. Deerslayer now comprehended 4 it all. 
Hist was watched, possibly by her young companion, certainly 
by an old woman. The youth was probably some suitor of 
either her or her companion; but even his discretion was dis- 
trusted under the influence of his admiration. The known 
vicinity of those who might be supposed to be her friends, 
and the arrival of a strange red-man on the lake, had induced 
more than usual care, and the girl had not been able to slip 
away from those who watched her, in order to keep her ap- 
pointment. Therefore, he came to the conclusion it would 

1 apparently reasonable, yet producing 3 went through, 

distrust. 4 understood. 

2 state of becoming less diligent, etc. 


88 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


be better to rejoin his friend, and endeavor to temper bis 
impetuosity 1 by some of his own coolness and discretion. It 
required but a minute or two to put this plan in execution, 
the canoe returning to the strand some ten or fifteen minutes 
after it had left it. 

Deerslayer found the Indian at his post, from which he had 
not stirred, fearful that his betrothed might arrive during his 
absence. A conference followed, in which Chingachgook w r as 
made acquainted with the state of things in the camp. Dis- 
posing of the canoe in such a manner that Hist must see it, 
should she come to the place of meeting previously to their 
return, the young men looked to their arms, and prepared to 
enter the wood. 

As soon as the friends emerged from the bushes, they 
stopped to reconnoitre. The fire was still blazing behind the 
little ridge, casting its light upward, into the tops of the 
trees, producing an effect that was more pleasing than advan- 
tageous. Still the glare had its uses ; for, while the back- 
ground was in obscurity, the foreground was in strong light, 
exposing the savages and concealing their foes. Profiting by 
the latter circumstance, the young men advanced cautiously 
toward the ridge, Deerslayer in front, for he insisted on this 
arrangement, lest the Delaware should he led by his feelings 
to some indiscretion. Moving with exceeding caution, and 
trailing his rifle, both to keep its barrel out of view, and in 
readiness for service, the hunter put foot before foot, until he 
had got sufficiently high to overlook the summit, his own 
head alone being brought into the light. Chingachgook was 
at his side, and both paused to take another close examination 
of the camp. In order, however, to protect themselves against 
any straggler in the rear, they placed their bodies against the 
trunk of an oak, standing on the side next the fire. 

The females were collected near each other, much as Deer- 
slayer had seen them, nearly in a line between the place 


hastiness. 


DEERSLAYER AND CHINGACHGOOK SEEK HIST. 89 


where he now stood and the fire. The Delaware caused his 
friend to stoop, so as completely to conceal himself, and then 
he made a noise so closely resembling the little chirrup of the 
smallest species of the American squirrel, that Deerslayer 
himself, though he had heard the imitation a hundred times, 
actually thought it came from one of the little animals skip- 
ping about over his head. The sound is so familiar in the 
woods that none of the Hurons paid it the least attention: 
Hist, however, instantly ceased talking, and sat motionless. 
Still she had sufficient self-command to abstain from turning 
her head. She had heard the signal by which her lover had so 
often called her from the wigwam to the stolen interview, 
and it came over her senses and her heart as the serenade af- 
fects the maiden in the land of song. From that moment 
Chingachgook felt certain that his presence was known. 

The moment was near when it became necessary for Hist 
to act. At this instant, one of the warriors called to the old 
woman by name, and bade her bring him water to drink. 
There was a delicious spring on the northern side of the point, 
and the old Indian took a gourd 1 from a branch, and, sum- 
moning Hist to her side, she moved toward the summit of the 
ridge, intending to descend and cross the point to the natural 
fountain. All this was seen and understood by the adven- 
turers, and they fell back into the obscurity, concealing their 
persons by trees, until the two females had passed them. In 
walking. Hist was held tightly by the hand. As the two 
moved past, the chirrup was repeated, and the Huron woman 
stopped and faced the tree whence the sounds seemed to pro- 
ceed, standing, at the moment, within six feet of her enemies. 
She expressed her surprise that a squirrel should be in motion 
at so late an hour, and said it boded evil. The gourd was 
filled, and the old woman was hurrying back, her hand still 
grasping the wrist of the girl, when she was suddenly seized 
so violently by the throat as to cause her to release her cap- 

1 dipper made from the shell of the melon or pumpkin. 


90 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


five, and to prevent her making any other sound than a sort 
of gurgling, suffocating noise. The Serpent passed his arm 
round the waist of his mistress, and dashed through the 
bushes with her, on the north side of the point. Here he 
immediately turned along the beach, and ran towards the 
canoe. A more direct course could have been taken, but it 
might have led to a discovery of the place of embarking. 

It was now quite time for the hunter to retreat. Tripping 
up the heels of his captive, and giving her throat a parting 
squeeze, quite as much in resentment at her indomitable 1 ef- 
forts to sound the alarm as from any policy, he left her on 
her back, and moved towards the bushes : his rifle at a poise , 2 
and his head over his shoulders, like a lion at bay. 

» 


CHAPTER IX. 

DEERSLAYER A CAPTIVE. 

Notwithstanding the pressing nature of the emergency, 
Deerslayer hesitated a moment ere he plunged into the bushes 
that lined the shore. To gain the beach, and to follow it 
round to the place where Chingachgook was already in the 
canoe with Hist, anxiously waiting his appearance, occupied 
but a moment. Laying his rifle in the bottom of the canoe, 
Deerslayer stooped to give the latter a vigorous shove from 
the shore, when a powerful Indian leaped through the bushes, 
alighting like a panther on his back. Everything was now 
suspended by a hair, a false step ruining all. Deerslayer 
threw all his force into a desperate effort, shoved the canoe 
off with a power that sent it a hundred feet from the shore, 
as it might be, in an instant, and fell forward into the lake 
himself, face downward ; his assailant necessarily following 
him. 


l not to be subdued. 


2 balance. 


DEERSLAYER A CAPTIVE. 


91 


Half-a-dozen savages came leaping into the water to the aid 
of their friend, and Deerslayer yielded himself a prisoner with 
a dignity that was as remarkable as his self-devotion. 

To quit the lake and lead the captive to the fire occupied 
but a moment. So much engaged were they all with the 
struggle and its consequences that the canoe was unseen, 
though it still lay so near the shore as to render every syllable 
that was uttered perfectly intelligible to the Delaware and his 
betrothed ; and the whole party left the spot, some continu- 
ing the pursuit after Hist along the beach, though most 
proceeded to the light. 

When Deerslayer reached the fire, he found himself sur- 
rounded by no less than eight grim savages, among whom 
was his old acquaintance Rivenoak. As soon as the latter 
caught a glimpse of the captive*s countenance, he spoke apart 
to his companions, and a low but general exclamation of 
pleasure and surprise escaped them. 

The arms of Deerslayer were not pinioned, and he was left 
the free use of his hands, his knife having been first removed. 
The only precaution that was taken to secure his person was 
untiring watchfulness, and a strong rope of bark that passed 
from ankle to ankle, not so much to prevent his walking as to 
place an obstacle in the way of his attempting to escape by 
any sudden leap. 

Deerslayer did not escape some of the penalties 1 of his sit- 
uation. He was permitted to seat himself on the end of a 
log near the fire, in order to dry his clothes, his late adversary 
standing opposite, now holding articles of his own scanty 
vestments to the heat, and now feeling his throat, on which 
the marks of the Deerslayer* s fingers were still quite visible. 

The young Indian who had been seen walking in company 
with Hist and another female had held himself aloof from his 
friends even, passing near the bevy 2 of younger women who 
were clustering together, apart as usual, and conversing in 

1 punishments. 2 company. 


92 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


low tones on the subject of the escape of their late compan- 
ion. Perhaps it would be true to say that these last were 
pleased as well as vexed at what had just occurred. Their 
female sympathies were with the lovers, while their pride was 
bound up in the success of their own tribe. It is possible, 
too, that the superior personal advantages of Hist rendered 
her dangerous to some of the younger part of the group, and 
they were not sorry to find that she was no longer in the way 
of their own ascendancy . 1 On the whole, however, the better 
feeling was most prevalent ; 2 for neither the wild condition 
in which they lived, the clannish prejudices of tribes, nor 
their hard fortunes as Indian women, could entirely conquer 
the inextinguishable 3 leaning of their sex to the affections. 
One of the girls even laughed at the disconsolate 4 look of the 
swain , 5 who might fancy himself deserted, a circumstance 
that seemed suddenly to rouse his energies, and induced him 
to move towards the log on which the prisoner was still 
seated, drying his clothes. 

“This is Catamount!” said the Indian, striking his hand 
boastfully on his naked breast as he uttered the words, in a 
manner to show how much weight he expected them to carry. 

“ This is Hawkeye,” quietly returned Deerslayer, adopting 
the name by which he knew he would be known in future 
among all the tribes of the Iroquois. “My sight is keen: is 
my brother’s leap long ? ” 

“ From here to the Delaware villages. Hawkeye has stolen 
my wife : he must bring her back, or his scalp will hang on 
a pole, and dry in my wigwam.” 

“Hawkeye has stolen nothing, Huron. He doesn’t come 
of a thieving breed.” 

Catamount’s hand felt for his tomahawk, and when the 
fingers reached the handle, they worked convulsively, as if 


1 controlling influence. 

2 generally received or current. 

3 not to be put out, or destroyed. 


4 sad. 

5 lover. 


DEERSLAYER A CAPTIVE. 


93 


their owner hesitated between policy 1 and resentment . 2 At 
this critical moment Rivenoak approached, and, by a gesture 
of authority, induced the young man to retire, assuming a 
position himself on the log at the side of Deerslayer. Here 
he continued silent for a little time, maintaining the grave 
reserve of an Indian chief. 

“ The Hurons know that they have a great warrior for their 
prisoner,” the Iroquois at length began ; “ and they will treat 
him as one. If he is to be tortured, his torments shall be 
such as no common man can bear; and if he is to treated as 
a friend, it will be the friendship of chiefs.” 

“God has put me in your hands, Huron,” the captive at 
length answered, “and I suppose you will act your will on 
me. I shall not boast of what I can do under torment, for 
Fve never been tried, and no man can say till he has been; 
but Til do my endivors not to disgrace the people among 
whom I got my training. Howsoever, I wish you now to bear 
witness that Fm altogether of white blood, and in a natural 
way of white gifts, too ; so, should I be overcome and forget 
myself, I hope you'll lay the fault where it properly belongs; 
and in no manner put it on the Delawares or their allies and 
friends the Mohicans. We're all created with more or less 
weakness, and I'm afraid it's a pale-face's to give in under 
great bodily torment, when a red-skin will sing songs, and 
boast of his deeds in the very teeth of his foes! ” 

Deerslayer ceased, for a sort of spectre 3 stood before him 
that put a sudden stop to his words, and, indeed, caused him 
for a moment to doubt the fidelity 4 of his boasted vision. 

Hetty Hutter was standing at the side of the fire, as quietly 
as if she belonged to the tribe. 

As the hunter and the Indian sat watching the emotions 
that were betrayed in each other's countenance, the girl had 
approached unnoticed, doubtless ascending from the beach on 
the southern side of the point, or that next to the spot where 

l wise course of action. 2 anger. 3 apparition. 4 faithfulness. 


94 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


the ark had anchored, and had advanced to the fire with the 
fearlessness that belonged to her simplicity, and which was 
certainly justified by the treatment formerly received from 
the Indians. As soon as Rivenoak perceived the girl, she 
was recognized, and, calling to two or three younger warri- 
ors, the chief sent them out to reconnoitre, lest her appear- 
ance should be the forerunner of another attack. He then 
motioned to Hetty to draw near. 

“I hope your visit is a sign that the Sarpent and Hist 
are in safety, Hetty,” said Deerslayer, as soon as the girl had 
complied with the Huron’s request. “I don’t think you’d 
come ashore ag’in on the ar’nd that brought you here afore.” 

“ Judith told me to come this time, Deerslayer,” Hetty re- 
plied ; “and she paddled me ashore herself in a canoe as 
soon as the Serpent had shown her Hist and told his story. 
How handsome Hist is to-night, Deerslayer, and how much 
happier she looks than when she was with the Hurons ! She 
bid me come to see you, and to try and persuade the savages 
to take more elephants to let you off ; but I’ve brought the 
Bible with me — that will do more than all the elephants in 
father’s chest.” 

“And your father, good little Hetty — and Hurry; did 
they know of your ar’nd ? ” 

“Nothing. Both are asleep ; and Judith and the Serpent 
thought it best that they should not be awakened, lest they 
might want to come again after scalps, when Hist told them 
how few warriors, and how many women and children, there 
were in the camp. Judith would give me no peace till I had 
come ashore, to see what had happened to you.” 

“ Well, that’s remarkable as consarns Judith ! ” 

“Judith told me to ask you what you thought the Hurons 
would do with you if you couldn’t be bought off, and what 
she had best do to serve you. Yes, this was the most im- 
portant part of the errand — what she had best do in order 
to serve you.” 


DEERSLAYER A CAPTIVE. 


95 


“ That’s as you think, Hetty ; but it’s no matter. Young 
women are apt to lay most stress on what most touches their 
feelin’s — but no matter; have it your own way, so you be 
but careful not to let the vagabonds get the mastery of a 
canoe. When you get back to the ark, tell ’em to keep 
close, and to keep moving too, most especially at night. 
Many hours can’t go by without the troops on the river hear- 
ing of this party, and then your fri’nds may look for relief. 
’Tis but a day’s march from the nearest garrison, and true 
soldiers will never be idle with the foe in their neighborhood. 
This is my advice, and you may say to your father and Hurry 
that scalp-hunting will be a poor business now, as the Mingos 
are up and awake, and nothing can save ’em ’till the troops 
come, except keeping a good belt of water atween ’em and 
the savages.” 

“ What shall I tell Judith about you, Deerslayer ? I know 
she will send me back again, if I don’t bring her the truth 
about you.” 

“Then tell her the truth. I see no reason why Judith 
Hutter shouldn’t hear the truth about me as well as a lie. 
I’m a captive in Injin hands, and Providence only knows 
what will come of it! Hark’ee, Hetty,” — dropping his 
voice and speaking still more confidentially, — “ you are a little 
weak-minded, it must be allowed, but you know something 
of In jins. They hold up avarice 1 afore 1 me on one side, and 
fear on t’other, and think honesty will give way atween ’em 
both. But let your father and Hurry know ’tis all useless ; 
as for the Sarpent, lie knows it already.” 

“But what shall I tell Judith ? — She will certainly send 
me back, if I don’t satisfy her mind.” 

“Well, tell Judith the same. No doubt the savages will 
try the torments to make me give in, but I must hold out 
ag’in nat’ral weakness in the best manner I can. You may 
tell Judith to feel no consarn on my account — it will come 


i lovo of gain ; greed. 


96 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


hard, I know, seeing that a white man's gifts don't run to 
boasting and singing under torment, for he generally feels 
smallest when he suffers most." 

Hetty listened with great attention, and her mild but 
speaking countenance manifested a strong sympathy in the 
anticipated agony of the prisoner. At first she seemed at a 
loss how to act; then, taking a hand of Deerslayer's, she af- 
fectionately recommended him to borrow her Bible, and to 
read it while the savages were inflicting their torments. 
When the other honestly admitted that it exceeded his power 
to read, she even volunteered to remain with him, and to j)er- 
form this holy office in person. The offer was gently de- 
clined, and Rivenoak being about to join them, Deerslayer 
requested the girl to leave him, first enjoining her again to 
tell those in the ark to have full confidence in his fidelity. 
Hetty now walked away and approached the group of females 
with as much confidence and self-possession as if she were a 
native of the tribe. On the other hand, the Huron resumed 
his seat by the side of his prisoner, the one continuing to ask 
questions with all the wily ingenuity 1 of a practiced Indian 
counselor, and the other baffling him by the very means that 
are known to be the most efficacious 2 in defeating the finesse 3 
of the more pretending diplomacy 4 of civilization, or by con- 
fining his answers to the truth, and the truth only. 


CHAPTER X. 

HETTY REJOINS JUDITH. 

The young men who had been sent out to reconnoitre, on 
the sudden appearance of Hetty, soon returned to report their 


1 quickness in forming new plans. 

2 productive of the effect intended. 


3 contrivance ; stratagem, to gain a point. 

4 skill in securing advantages, tact. 


HETTY REJOINS JUDITH. 


97 


want of success in making any discovery. It was conse- 
quently believed that the girl had come alone, as on her 
former visit, and on some similar errand. A watch was set, 
and all but the sentinels disposed themselves to sleep. 

There were now thirteen men in the party, and three kept 
watch at a time. Feeble as the immaterial 1 portion of Hetty 
Hutter’s existence was thought to be, it was sufficiently active 
to cause her to open her eyes at midnight. At that hour 
she awoke, and leaving her bed of skin and boughs, she ap- 
proached the spot where the Indian sentinel stood. She 
spoke to him, but he understood no English. She then 
gazed for nearly a minute at the sleeping captive, and moved 
slowly away in. a sad and melancholy manner. The conduct 
of the girl excited no more attention than that of any person 
of feeble intellect would excite in civilized society, while her 
person met with more consideration and respect. 

Hetty certainly had no very distinct notions of the locali- 
ties, but she found her way to the beach, which she reached 
on the same side of the point as that on which the camp had 
been made. By following the margin of the water, taking a 
northerly direction, she soon encountered the Indian who 
paced the strand as'sentinel. The young Huron manifested 
disappointment when he found whom he had met ; for, truth 
to say, he was expecting his favorite, who had promised to 
relieve the ennui 2 of a midnight watch with her presence, 
This man was also ignorant of English, but he was at no loss 
to know why the girl should be up at that hour. Hetty soon 
reached the place where the canoes had come ashore, and ow- 
ing to the curvature of the land and the bushes, would have 
been completely hid from the sight of the sentinel, had it 
been broad day. But another footstep had caught the lover’s 
ear, and he was already nearly beyond the sound of the girl’s 
silvery voice. Still Hetty, bent only on her own thoughts 
and purposes, continued to speak, though the gentleness of 

° (ahn’nwe’), weariitess. 


1 spiritual. 


98 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


her tones prevented the sounds from penetrating far into the 
woods. On the water they were more widely diffused . 1 

“Here I am, Judith/’ she added, “and there is no one 
near me. The Huron on watch has gone to meet his sweet- 
heart, who is an Indian girl, you know.” 

Hetty’s voice was hushed by a “hist ! ” that came from the 
water, and then she caught a dim view of the canoq, which 
approached noiselessly. For several minutes nothing was 
uttered; but, believing herself to be in a favorable position 
to confer with her sister, Judith said, “Here we are safe, 
Hetty, and may talk without the fear of being overheard. 
You must speak low, however, for sounds are heard far on 
the water on a still night. I was so close to the point some 
of the time while you were on it, that I heard the voices of 
the warriors, and I heard your shoes on the gravel of the 
beach, even before you spoke.” 

The conversation was desultory , 2 and was drawn out until 
the elder sister had extracted from the younger every fact 
that the feeble faculties of the latter permitted her to retain 
and to communicate. When Judith was satisfied — though 
she could never be said to be that when Deerslayer was the 
theme — but, when J udith could think Af no more questions 
to ask, the canoe was paddled toward the scow. No ark, 
however, was seen. Several times the sisters fancied they 
saw it, looming up in the obscurity like a low black rock ; 
but on each occasion it was found to be either an optical 
illusion , 3 or some swell of the foliage on the shore. After a 
search that lasted half an hour, the girls were forced to the 
unwelcome conviction that the ark had departed. 

The scene was suddenly lighted, though only for an in- 
stant, by a flash. The crack of the rifle succeeded, and then 
followed the roll of the echo along the eastern mountains. 
Almost at the same moment a piercing female cry arose in 
the air in a prolonged shriek. The awful stillness that suc- 

1 spread abroad. 2 rambling, disconnected. 3 deceptive appearance. 


HETTY REJOINS JUDITH. 


99 


ceeded was, if possible, more appalling than the fierce and 
sudden interruption of the deep silence of midnight. Beso- 
lute as she was both by nature and by habit, Judith scarce 
breathed, while poor Hetty hid her face and trembled. 

“ That’s a woman’s cry, Hetty,” said the former solemnly, 
“ and it was a cry of anguish ! If the ark has moved from 
this spot it can only have gone north with this air, and the 
gun and the shriek came from the point. Can anything 
have befallen Hist?” 

“Let us go and see, Judith; she may want our assist- 
ance — for, besides herself, there are none but men in 
the ark.” 

It was not a moment for hesitation, and ere Judith had 
ceased speaking her paddle was in the water. The distance 
to the point, in a direct line, was not great, and the impulses 
under which the girls worked were too exciting to allow them 
to waste the precious moments in useless precautions. 

The scene that was now presented to the observation of the 
girls was within the woods, on the side of the declivity so 
often mentioned, and in plain view from the boat. With her 
back supported against a tree, and sustained on one side by 
the young sentinel whose remissness had suffered Hetty to es- 
cape, sat the female whose expected visit had produced his de- 
linquency . 1 By the glare of the torch that was held near her 
face, it was evident that she was in the agonies of death, while 
the blood that trickled from her breast betrayed the nature 
of the injury she had received. The pungent, peculiar smell 
of gunpowder, too, was still quite perceptible in the heavy 
damp night air. There could be no question that she had 
been shot. Judith understood it all at a glance. 

The streak of light had appeared on the water a short dis- 
tance from the point, and either the rifle had been discharged 
from a canoe hovering near the land, or it had been fired from 
the ark in passing. An incautious exclamation or laugh may 


1 omission of duty. 


100 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


have produced the assault, for it was barely possible that the 
aim had been assisted by another agent than sound. 

Judith had seen, under the strong glare of all the torches, 
the erect form of Deerslayer standing with commiseration 1 
and, as she thought, with shame depicted 2 on his countenance, 
near the dying female. He betrayed neither fear nor back- 
wardness himself ; but it was apparent by the glances cast at 
him by the warriors that fierce passions were struggling in 
their bosoms. 

No more could be done, therefore, than to seek a place of 
safety ; and this was only to be found in the center of the 
lake. Paddling in silence to that spot, the canoe was suffered 
to drift northerly, while the girls sought such repose as their 
situation and feelings would permit. 


CHAPTER XI. 

hutter's return to the castle. 

After sleeping several hours Hutter and March awoke. 
This occurred a few minutes after Judith had left the ark to 
go in quest of her sister, and when of course Chingachgook 
and his betrothed were on board. From the Delaware the 
old man learned the position of the camp, and the recent 
events, as well as the absence of his daughters. 

“ I say. Master Hutter, do you know what has become of 
the gals ? ” 

Hutter briefly explained the matter to March, as it had 
been related to him by the Delaware. 

“ She is bewitched with this lank-looking Deerslayer,” ex- 
claimed Hurry. “I am not a man to put up with such a 
wrong quietly. Let's up kedge, old fellow, and move nearer 
to this point, and see how matters are getting on.” 

1 pity ; sorrow for the distresses of another. 2 portrayed. 


hutter’s return to the castle. 


101 


The ark was got under way in the usual manner, care being 
taken to make no noise. The wind was passing northward, 
and the sail soon swept the scow so far up the lake as to 
render the dark outlines of the trees that clothed the point 
only dimly visible. Floating Tom steered, and he sailed 
along as near land as the depth of the water and the over- 
hanging branches would allow. It was impossible to dis- 
tinguish anything that stood within the shadows of the 
shore ; but the forms of the sail and of the hut were 
discerned 1 by the young sentinel on the beach, who has 
already been mentioned. In the moment of sudden 
surprise, a deep Indiaft exclamation escaped him. In 
that spirit of recklessness and ferocity 2 that formed the 
essence of Hurry’s character, this man dropped his rifle 
and fired. 

The ball was sped by accident, or by that overruling Prov- 
idence which decides the fates of all, and the girl fell. Then 
followed the scene with the torches which has just been de- 
scribed. 

At the precise moment when Hurry committed this act of 
unthinking cruelty, Judith’s canoe was within a hundred 
feet of the spot from which the ark had so lately moved. 
The shriek announced the effect of the random shot of March, 
and it also proclaimed that the victim was a woman. Hurry 
himself was startled at these unlooked-for consequences ; and 
for a moment he was sorely disturbed by conflicting sensations. 
At first he laughed in reckless and rude-minded exultation ; 3 
and then conscience, that monitor planted in our breasts by 
God, and which receives its more general growth from the 
training bestowed in the tillage of childhood, shot a pang to 
his heart. 

In the meanwhile the ark swept onward, and by the time 
the scene with the torches was enacting beneath the trees, 
it had reached the open lake, Floating Tom causing it to sheer 

1 seen, perceived. 2 fierceness. 3 great joy. 


102 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


farther from the land with a sort of instinctive 1 dread of retal- 
iation . 2 

As soon as the light was sufficiently strong to allow of a 
distinct view of the lake, and more particularly of its shores, 
Hutter turned the head of the ark directly towards the castle. 
At this moment Judith’s canoe was seen floating northward, 
in the broadest part of the lake, having actually passed the 
scow in the darkness. Hutter got his glass, and he took a 
long and anxious survey, to ascertain if his daughters were in 
the light craft or not. He caught a glimpse of what he rightly 
conceived to be a part of Judith’s dress above the top of the 
canoe. 

The ark was slowly advancing, and the castle was within 
half a mile, when Chingachgook joined the two white men 
in the stern of the scow. His manner was calm, but it was 
evident to the others, who were familiar with the habits of 
the Indians, that he had something to communicate. Hurry 
was generally prompt to speak, and according to custom he 
took the lead on this occasion. 

“ Out with it, red-skin,” he cried, in his usual rough man- 
ner. “No good to go to castle,” put in Chingachgook, with 
emphasis ; “Huron there.” 

“ If this should be true, Floating Tom, a pretty trap we 
were about to pull down on our heads ! ” 

“ Stop boat,” said Hist eagerly. “ No go too near — Hu- 
ron there — why, look ! — no see moccasin ? ” 

“ Well, then, Delaware,” put in the unceremonious Hurry, 
“ that moccasin must be had. What say you, Sarpent, shall 
you or I canoe for it ? ” 

“ Let red-man go. Know Huron trick better,” urged the 
Delaware. 

Chingachgook was already in the canoe, and he dipped the 
paddle into the water and cautiously advanced. The Del- 
aware was at a loss how to proceed. At one moment, as he 

1 produced without reasoning. 2 act of repaying like for like. 


HUTTER’S RETURN TO THE CASTLE. 103 

came round to the front of the castle, he was on the point of 
stepping up on the platform. Eelinquishing 1 the momen- 
tary intention to land, the chief slowly pursued his course 
round the palisades. As he approached the moccasin he 
threw the ominous article into the canoe by a dexterous 2 and 
almost imperceptible movement of his paddle. 

As he was now ready to depart, it was the wisest course to 
retire with an air of confidence, as if all distrust were termi- 
nated by the examination. Therefore, the Indian paddled 
deliberately away, taking the direction of the ark. 

“Well, Sarpent,” cried Hurry, “what news from the 
Muskrats ? ” 

“ Here,” returned Chingachgook, holding up his prize for 
the general inspection. 

The moccasin was examined, and Hist confidently pro- 
nounced it to be Huron, by the manner in which the porcu- 
pine ^ 3 quills were arranged on its front. Hutter and the 
Delaware, too, were decidedly of the same opinion. 

Under the circumstances, Hutter and Hurry were not men 
to be long deterred 4 from proceeding by proofs so slight as 
that of the moccasin. They hoisted sail again, and the ark 
was st>on in motion, heading toward the castle. 

It was not long before Hurry called to Chingachgook to 
come and aid him to take in the sail and to secure the ark. 
Chingachgook obeyed ; and by the time he had reached the 
head of the scow. Hurry was on the platform of the castle, 
stamping his feet. Hutter had hauled a canoe up to the 
head of the scow, and was already about to undo the fasten- 
ings of the gate, in order to enter within the dock. Chin- 
gachgook left the sail standing, and throwing the bight 5 of 
the rope over the head of a pile, he permitted the ark to 
drift round until it lay against the defences in a position 


1 giving up. 

2 skilful. 

3 animal covered with long, sharp quills. 


4 hindered. 

5 loop. 


104 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


where it could he entered only by means of a boat, or by 
passing along the summits of the palisades ; the latter being 
an exploit that required some command of the feet, and 
which was not to be attempted in the face of a resolute 
enemy. 

Hutter gave the canoe a single shove that sent it from the 
gate to the trap beneath the castle. Here he found all fast, 
neither padlock, nor chain, nor bar having been molested. 
The key was produced, the locks removed, the chain loosened, 
and the trap pushed upward. Hurry now thrust his head 
in at the opening ; his arms followed, and the colossal 1 legs 
rose without any apparent effort. He then gave a shout of 
triumph. 

“ Come on. Old Tom,” the reckless woodman called out 
from within the building — “ here's your tenement safe and 
sound. Come, old fellow ; hoist yourself up, and we'll open 
doors and windows and let in the fresh air to brighten up 
matters.'' 

A moment of silence succeeded, and a noise like that pro- 
duced by the fall of a heavy body followed. A deep execra- 
tion 2 from Hurry succeeded, and then the whole interior of 
the building seemed alive. The yells that now so suddenly 
broke the stillness within could not be mistaken. They re- 
sembled those that would be produced by a struggle between 
tigers in a cage. Chingachgook felt greatly at a loss what to 
do. The combatants were literally caged, rendering it almost 
as impossible, under the circumstances, to get out as to get 
into the building. Then there was Hist to embarrass his 
movements, and to cripple his efforts. The Delaware, seeing 
no possibility of serving his friends, cut the line, and by a 
strong shove forced the scow some twenty feet clear of the 
piles. Here he took the sweeps and succeeded in getting a 
short distance to windward, but 'neither the time nor his 
skill at the oars allowed this distance to be great. When he 

1 of large size. (AtfRhodes, Greece, was a gigantic statue of Apollo, the Colossus.) 2 curse. 


hutter's return to the castle. 


105 


ceased rowing, the ark might have been a hundred yards 
from the platform, and half that distance to the southward 
of it, the sail being lowered. Judith and Hetty had now dis- 
covered that something was wrong, and were stationary a 
thousand feet farther north. At this instant the door flew 
open, and the fight was transferred to the platform, the light, 
and the open air. 

A Huron had undone the fastenings of the door, and three 
or four of his tribe rushed after him upon the narrow space, 
as if glad to escape from some horrible scene within. The 
body of another followed, pitched headlong through the door 
with terrific violence. Then March appeared, raging like a 
lion at bay, and for an instant freed from his numerous ene- 
mies. Hutter was already a captive and bound. There was 
now a pause in the struggle, which resembled a lull in a 
tempest. We shall profit by this pause to relate the manner 
in which the Indians had obtained possession of the castle. 

Kivenoak and his companion, particularly the latter, who 
had appeared to be a subordinate , 1 and occupied solely with 
his raft, had made the closest observations in their visits to 
the castle ; even the boy had brought away minute and valu- 
able information. As soon as it was dark, rafts, like that 
already described, approached from both shores to recon- 
noitre, and the ark had passed within fifty feet of one of 
them, without its being discovered; the men it held lying at 
their length on the logs, so as to blend themselves and their 
slow-moving machine with the water. These men succeeded 
in getting on the roof, and by removing some of the bark, in 
entering what might be termed the garret. The night was 
passed in sleep, as is usual with Indians in a state of inactiv- 
ity. The returning day brought them a view of the ap- 
proach of the ark, through the loops, the only manner in 
which light and air were now admitted. As soon as it was 
ascertained that the two white men were about to enter by 


i one lower in rank. 


106 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


the trap, the chief directed that all the arms, even to their 
knives, be removed from his own people, and he hid them 
where they could not be found without a search. Ropes of 
bark were then prepared, and taking their stations in the 
three different rooms, they all waited for the signal to fall 
upon their intended captives. As soon as the party had en- 
tered the building, men without replaced the bark of the 
roof, removed every sign of their visit with care, and then 
departed for the shore. Had the death of the girl been 
known, it is probable that nothing could have saved the lives 
of Ilutter and Hurry; but that event occurred after the 
ambush was laid, and at a distance of several miles from the 
encampment near the castle. 

Hurry was the first to recommence hostilities. His onset 
was furious, and at first it carried all before it. He seized 
the nearest Huron by the waist, raised him entirely from the 
platform, and hurled him into the water, as if he had been a 
child. In half a minute two more were at his side, one of 
whom received a grave injury by falling on the friend who 
had just preceded him. But four enemies remained, and in 
a hand-to-hand conflict, in which no arms were used but 
those which nature had furnished, Hurry believed himself 
fully able to cope with that number of red-skins. 

A violent kick in the face sent back the injured Indian, 
who had caught the edge of the platform, and was endeavor- 
ing to raise himself to its level, helplessly and hopelessly into 
the water. A blow directed at the pit of another’s stomach 
doubled him up like a worm that had been trodden on ; and 
but two able-bodied foes remained to be dealt with. One of 
these was not only the largest and strongest of the Hurons, 
but he was also the most experienced of the warriors present, 
and that one whose sinews 1 were the best strung in fights 
and by marches on the war-path. This man had fully appre- 
ciated the gigantic strength of his opponent, and had care- 

1 tendons, which unite muscles to bones. 


hutter’s return to the castle. 


107 


fully husbanded his own. He was also equipped 1 in the best 
manner for such a conflict, standing in nothing but his 
breech-cloth. To grasp him required additional dexterity 
and unusual strength. Still Hurry did not hesitate; but the 
kick that had actually destroyed one fellow-creature was no 
sooner given than he closed with this formidable antagonist, 
endeavoring to force him into the water also. The struggle 
that succeeded was frightful. So fierce did it immediately 
become, and so quick and changeful were the evolutions 2 of 
the athletes, 3 that the remaining savage had no chance for in- 
terfering, had he possessed the desire ; but wonder and ap- 
prehension held him spell-bound. He was an inexperienced 
youth, and his blood curdled as he witnessed the fell strife of 
human passions, exhibited, too, in an unaccustomed form. 

Hurry first attempted to throw his antagonist. With this 
view he seized him by the throat and an arm, and attempted 
to trip him with the quickness and force of an American 
borderer. The effect was frustrated by the agile movements 
of the Huron, who had clothes to grasp by, and whose feet 
avoided the attempt with a nimbleness equal to that with 
which it was made. Then followed a sort of m61ee, 4 if such 
a term can be applied to a struggle between two, in which no 
efforts were distinctly visible, the limbs and bodies of the 
combatants assuming so many attitudes and contortions as 
to defeat observation. This confused but fierce rally lasted 
less than a minute, when Hurry, furious at having his strength 
baffled by the agility and nakedness of his foe, made a des- 
perate effort, which sent the Huron from him, hurling his 
body violently against the logs of the hut. The concussion 
was so great as momentarily to confuse the latter’s faculties. 
The pain, too, extorted 5 a deep groan, an unusual concession 
to agony to escape a red man in the heat of battle. Still he 


1 fitted out. 4 scuffle ; hand-to-hand conflict. 

2 movements ; changes of position. 5 drew forth. 

3 men endowed with great muscular strength. 


108 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


rushed forward again to meet his enemy, conscious that his 
safety rested on his resolution. Hurry now seized the other 
by the waist, raised him bodily from the platform, and fell 
with his own great weight on the body beneath. This addi- 
tional shock so far stunned the sufferer, that his gigantic 
white opponent now had him completely at his mercy. Pass- 
ing his hands round the throat of his victim, he compressed 
them with the strength of a vice, fairly doubling the head of 
the Huron over the edge of the platform until the chin was 
uppermost. At this instant a rope of bark, having an eye, 
was passed dexterously within the two arms of Hurry, the 
end threaded, the eye forming a noose, and his elbows were 
drawn together behind his back, with a power that all his 
gigantic strength could not resist. Almost at the same in- 
stant, a similar fastening secured his ankles, and his body 
was rolled to the center of the platform as helplessly as if it 
were a log of wood. His rescued antagonist, however, did 
not rise, for while he began to breathe, his head still hung 
helplessly over the edge of the logs, and it was thought at 
first that his neck was dislocated . 1 He recovered gradually 
only, and it was hours before he could walk. Some fancied 
that neither his body nor his mind ever totally recovered 
from this near approach to death. 

Hurry owed his defeat and capture to the intensity with 
which he had concentrated 2 all his powers on his fallen foe. 
While thus occupied, the two Indians he had hurled into the 
water mounted to the head of the piles, along which they 
passed, and joined their companion on the platform. The 
latter had so far rallied his faculties as to have gotten the 
ropes, which were in readiness for use as the others appeared, 
and they were applied in the manner related, as Hurry lay 
pressing his enemy down with his whole weight, intent only 
on the horrible office of strangling him. Thus the tables were 
turned in a single moment ; he who had been so near achiev- 

i put out of joint. 


2 directed towards a common center. 


hutter’s return to the castle. 


109 


ing a victory tliat would have been renowned for ages, by 
means of tradition, throughout all that region, lying helpless, 
bound, and a captive. 

Chingachgook and his betrothed had witnessed the whole 
of this struggle from the ark. When the three Hurons were 
about to pass cords around the arms of the prostrate Hurry, 
the Delaware sought his rifle; but before he could use it the 
white man was bound, and the mischief was done. 

The canoe of the girls, by the time the struggle on the 
platform had ceased, was within three hundred yards of the 
castle, and here Judith ceased paddling, the evidences of 
strife first becoming apparent to the eyes. She and Hetty 
were standing erect, anxiously endeavoring to ascertain what 
had occurred, but unable to satisfy their doubts, from the 
circumstance that the building, in a great measure, con- 
cealed the scene of action. 

Chingachgook lost no time in hoisting sail. Whatever 
might be in reserve for him, there could be no question that 
it was every way desirable to get the ark at such a distance 
from the castle as to reduce his enemies to the necessity of 
approaching the former in the canoe, which the chances of 
war had, so inopportunely for his wishes and security, thrown 
into their hands. The scow wore slowly round, barely clear- 
ing the platform of the building. The piles projecting sev- 
eral feet, they were not cleared, so the head of the slow-mov- 
ing craft caught between two of them by one of its square 
corners, and hung. 

“.Run out one of the poles, Sarpent,” said Hurry, amid 
the groans that the tightness of the ligatures was beginning 
to extort from him — “ run out one of the poles, and shove 
the head of the scow off, and you’ll drift clear of us — and 
when you’ve done that good turn for yourself, just finish this 
gagging blackguard for me.” 

The appeal of Hurry drew the attention of Hist to his sit- 
uation. This quick-witted creature comprehended it at a 


110 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


glance. Putting her mouth near a loop, she said in a low 
but distinct voice : 

“ Why you don't roll here and fall in scow ? Chingach- 
gook shoot Huron if he chase! " 

“ Gal, that's a judgmatical 1 thought, and it shall be tried 
if the starn of your scow will come a little nearer. Put a 
bed at the bottom for me to fall on." 

This was said at a happy moment, for, tired of waiting, all 
the Indians made a rapid discharge of their rifles almost 
simultaneously, injuring no one, though several bullets 
passed through the loops. Hist had heard part of Hurry's 
words, but most of what he said was lost in the sharp reports 
of the fire-arms. Waiting to the last moment, in order that 
the stern of the scow might fairly rub against the platform, 
he began to writhe as if in intolerable 2 suffering, and then 
suddenly and rapidly rolled over and over, taking the direc- 
tion of the stern of the scow. Unfortunately, Hurry's shoul- 
ders required more space to revolve in* than his feet, and by 
the time he reached the edge of the platform, his direction 
had so far changed as to carry him clear of the ark altoge- 
ther ; and, the rapidity of his revolutions and the emergency 
admitting of no delay, he fell into the water. At this in- 
stant, Chingachgook, by an understanding with his betrothed, 
drew the fire of the Hurons again, not a man of whom saw 
the manner in which one whom they knew to be effectually 
tethered 3 had disappeared. But Hist's feelings were strongly 
interested in the success of so bold a scheme, and she watched 
the movements of Hurry as a cat watches the mouse. With 
a sort of instinctive readiness, she opened the door at the 
very moment the rifles were ringing in her ears, and, pro- 
tected by the intervening cabin, she stepped into the stern of 
the scow in time to witness the fall of Hurry into the lake. 
Her foot was unconsciously placed on the end of one of the 
sheets of the sail, which was fastened, and catching up all the 

1 with common sense and judgment. 2 unbearable. 3 bound ; confined. 


hutter’s return to the castle. 


Ill 


spare rope, with the awkwardness, but also with the gener- 
ous resolution of a woman, she threw it in the direction of 
the helpless Hurry. The line fell on the head and body of 
the sinking man, and he not only succeeded in grasping sep- 
arate parts of it with his hands, but he actually got a portion 
of it between his teeth. Hurry was an expert swimmer, and, 
s tethered as he was, he resorted to the very expedient that 
philosophy 1 and reflection would have suggested. He had 
fallen on his back, and instead of floundering and drowning 
himself by desperate efforts to tread the water, he permitted 
his body to sink as low as possible, and was already sub- 
merged, with the exception of his face, when the line reached 
him. 

As the ark drew slowly ahead, impelled by a sail that was 
how filled, he received the service of the piles in hiding him 
from the Hurons. At length one side had the mortification , 2 
and the other the pleasure, of seeing the scow swing clear of 
the piles altogether, when it immediately moved away toward 
the north. 

Chingachgook now first learned from Hist the critical con- 
dition of Hurry. To have exposed either of their persons in 
the stern of the scow would have been certain death ; but, 
fortunately, the sheet to which the man clung led forward 
to the foot of the sail. The Delaware found means to un- 
loosen it from the cleat 3 aft ; and Hist, who was already for- 
ward for that purpose, immediately began to pull upon the 
line. At that moment Hurry was towing fifty or sixty feet 
astern, with nothing but his face above water. As he was 
dragged out clear of the piles, he was first perceived by the 
Hurons, who raised a hideous yell, and commenced a fire on 
what may very well be termed the floating mass. 

By this time, Hist was pulling on the line, the target ad- 

1 reasoning. 3 piece of wood or metal having two arms 

2 feeling of shame. around which turns may be taken with a 

line or rope to secure it. 


112 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


vanced, and the deadly missiles still fell upon the water. In 
another moment the body was dragged past the end of the 
scow, and became concealed. As for the Delaware and Hist, 
they worked perfectly, covered by the cabin, and, in less 
time than it requires to tell it, they had hauled the huge 
frame of Hurry to the place they occupied. 

Chingachgook stood in readiness with his keen knife, and, 
bending over the side of the scow, he soon severed the bark 
that bound the limbs of the borderer. To raise him high 
enough to reach the edge of the boat, and to aid him in 
entering, were less easy tasks, as Hurry’s arms were still use- 
less; but both were done in time, when the liberated man 
staggered forward and fell, exhausted and helpless, into the 
bottom of the scow. Here we shall leave him to recover his 
strength and the due circulation of his blood. 

The moment the Hurons lost sight of the body of Hurry 
they gave a yell of disappointment, and three of the most 
active of their number ran to the trap, and entered the canoe. 
It required some little delay, however, to embark with their 
weapons, to find the paddles, and if we may use a phrase so 
purely technical , 1 “ to get out of dock.” By this time Hurry 
was in the scow, and the Delaware had his rifles in readiness. 
As the ark necessarily sailed before the wind, it had got by 
this time quite two hundred yards from the castle, and was 
gliding away each instant farther and farther, though with a 
motion so easy as scarcely to stir the water. The canoe of 
the girls was quite a quarter of a mile distant from the ark, 
obviously 2 keeping aloof, in ignorance of what had occurred, 
and apprehensive of the consequences of venturing too near. 

When the three Hurons emerged from behind the pali- 
sades, and found themselves on the open lake, and under the 
necessity of advancing unprotected on the ark, if they perse- 
vered in the original design, their ardor sensibly cooled. 

1 specially appropriate to an art or handi- 2 noticeably ; in a manner so as to be 

craft. A nautical phrase is used. readily seen. 


hutter’s return to the castle. 


113 


After wasting nearly an hour in vacillating 1 evolutions, al- 
ways at a safe distance from the rifle of the Delaware, the 
Hurons seemed suddenly to take their resolution and began 
to display it by giving eager chase to the girls. 

At the moment when the Hurons so suddenly changed 
their mode of attack, their canoe was not in the best possible 
racing trim. There were but two paddles, and the third 
man was so much extra and useless cargo. As yet the In- 
dians had not been able to get nearer to the girls than two 
hundred yards, though they were what seamen would term 
“in their wake,” or in a direct line behind them, passing 
over the same track of water. This made the pursuit what 
is technically called a “stern chase,” which is proverbially a 
“long chase.” 

Had there been any one there to note the progress of the 
two canoes, he would have seen that of Judith flying swiftly 
away from its pursuers, as the girl gave it freshly-impelled 
speed. So material, indeed, was the difference in the rate of 
going between the two canoes for the next five minutes that 
the Hurons began to be convinced that all their powers must 
be exerted, or they would suffer the disgrace of being baffled 
by women. Making a furious effort, under the mortification 
of such a conviction, one of the strongest of their party broke 
his paddle at the very moment when he had taken it from 
the hands of a comrade to relieve him. This at once de- 
cided the matter ; a canoe containing three men, and having 
but one paddle, being utterly unable to overtake fugitives 
like the daughters of Thomas Hutter. 

The girls, fearful that some spare paddles might be founc} 
in or about the buildings, continued on ; nor did they stop, 
until so distant from their enemies as to give them every, 
chance of escape, should the chase be renewed. It would 
seem that the savages meditated 2 no sucl} design, but at the 
end of an hour their canoe, filled with pien, was seen quitting 

l changing, unsteady, irresolute. 2 planned, intended. 


114 


THE DE^.AYER. 


the castle and steering toward the shore. The girls were 
without food, and they now drew nearer to the buildings and 
the ark, having finally made up their minds, from its manoeu- 
vres , 1 that the latter contained friends. 

Notwithstanding the seeming desertion of the castle, Ju- 
dith approached it with extreme caution. The ark was quite 
a mile to the northward, but sweeping up towards the build- 
ings ; and this, too, with a regularity of motion that satisfied 
Judith that a white man was at the oars. When within a 
hundred yards of the building, the girls began to circle it in 
order to make sure that it was empty. No canoe was nigh, 
and this emboldened them to draw nearer and nearer, until 
they had gone entirely round the piles and reached the plat- 
form. 

“ Do you go into the house, Hetty*” said Judith, ‘‘and see 
that the savages are gone. They will not harm you.” 

Hetty did as desired — Judith retiring a few yards from the 
platform the instant her sister landed, in readiness for flight. 
Not a minute elapsed before Hetty returned to communicate 
that all was safe. 

“I’ve been in all the rooms, Judith,” said the latter ear- 
nestly, “ and they are empty, except father’s ; he is in his own 
chamber, sleeping, though not as quietly as we could wish.” 

A groan from the inner room was heard and the girls ven- 
tured near. Ilutter was seated, reclining in a corner of the 
narrow room, with his shoulders supported by the angle, and 
his head fallen heavily on his breast. Judith moved forward 
with a sudden impulse, and removed a canvas cap that was 
forced so low on his head as to conceal his face, and, indeed, 
all but his shoulders. The instant this obstacle was taken 
away, the quivering and raw flesh, the bared veins and mus- 
cles, showed that he had been scalped, though still living. 

1 dexterous or artful moves. 


hutter’s revelation and death. 


115 


CHAPTER XII. 

hutter’s revelation and death. 

When the three Hurons returned from the chase, and it 
was determined to abandon the castle and join the party on 
land, Hutter was simply scalped, to secure the usual trophy , 1 
and was left to die by inches, as has been done in a thousand 
similar instances, by the ruthless warriors of this part of the 
American continent. 

“ Water — ” ejaculated Hutter, as it might be by a desper- 
ate effort, that rendered his voice frightfully deep and strong, 
— “ water — foolish girls — will you let me die of thirst ?” 

Water was brought and administered to the sufferer — the 
first he had tasted in hours of physical anguish. 

“ Father," said Judith, inexpressibly pained by his deplor- 
able 2 situation, and this so much the more from her igno- 
rance of what remedies ought to be applied — “ Father, can 
we do anything for you ? Can Hetty and I relieve your pain ? ” 

“Father!” slowly repeated the old man. “ No, Judith, 
no, Hetty — Fm no father. She was your mother, but I’m 
no father. Look in the chest, — 9 t is all there — give me more 
water.” 

The girls complied; and Judith, whose early recollections 
extended further back than her sister’s and who on every ac- 
count had more distinct impressions of the past, felt an 
uncontrollable impulse of joy as she heard these words. 

During the whole of the painful hour that succeeded, nei- 
ther of the sisters bethought her sufficiently of the Hurons 
to dread their return. When the sound of oars was heard, 
even Judith, who alone had any reason to apprehend 3 the 
enemy, did not start, but at once understood that the ark 

• anything taken from an enemy and pre- 2 sad ; lamentable, 
served as a memorial of victory. 3 entertain fear of. 


116 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


was near. She went upon the platform fearlessly ; for, should 
it turn out that Hurry was not there, and that the Hurons 
were masters of the scow also, escape was impossible. Then 
she had the sort of confidence that is inspired by extreme 
misery. But there was no cause of alarm — Chingachgook, 
Hist, and Hurry all standing in the open part of the scow, 
cautiously examining the building, to make certain of the 
absence of the enemy. 

Judith said not a word about the condition of her father, 
but Hurry knew her too well not to understand that some- 
thing more than usual was wrong. He led the way, though 
with less of his confident, bold manner, into the house, and, 
penetrating to the inner room, found Hutter lying on his 
back, with Hetty sitting at his side, fanning him with pious 
care. 

“How now? Old Tom,” he said, “have the vagabonds 
got you at an advantage, where youTe not only down, but 
are likely to be kept down ? I thought you a captive, it’s 
true, but never supposed you as hard run as this ! 99 

Hutter opened his glassy eyes, and stared wildly at the 
speaker. 

“ I know you — Hurry Skurry — IT1 sell you a scalp ! — 
a sound one, and of a full-grown man ; — what'll you give ? 99 

“ Poor Tom ! That scalp business hasn’t turned out at 
all profitable, and I've pretty much concluded to give it up, 
and to follow a less bloody calling.” 

“ Have you got any scalp? Mine's gone; — how does it 
feel to have a scalp ? I know how it feels to lose one — fire 
and flames about the brain — and a wrenching at the heart, — 
no, no — kill first, Hurry, and scalp afterwards.” 

“ What does the old fellow mean, Judith ? He talks like 
one that is getting tired of the business as well as myself. 
Why have you bound up his head ? — have the savages tom- 
ahawked him about the brains ? 99 

“ They have done that for him which you and he, Harry 


hutter's revelation and death. 


117 


March, would have so gladly done for them. His skin and 
hair have been torn from his head to gain money from the 
governor of Canada, as you would have torn theirs from the 
heads of the Ilurons, to gain money from the governor of 
York." 

Judith spoke with a strong effort to appear composed, but 
it was neither in her nature, nor in the feelings of the mo- 
ment, to speak altogether without bitterness. 

Hutter opened his eyes, and even tried to feel about him 
with his hands, a sign that sight was failing. A minute 
later his breathing grew ghastly; a pause, and then suc- 
ceeded the last long-drawn sigh, on which the spirit is sup- 
posed to quit the body. 

Preparations were made for the burial of Hutter. To 
bury him on the land was impracticable, and it was Hetty's 
wish that his body should lie by the side of that of her 
mother in the lake. J udith meddled not in the arrangement, 
and every necessary disposition was made without her priv- 
ity 1 or advice. 

The hour chosen for the rude ceremony was just as the sun 
was setting. When all were on board the ark, this singular 
habitation of the man whose body it now bore to his final 
abode was set in motion. Hurry was at the oars. In his 
powerful hands, indeed, they seemed little more than a pair 
of sculls, which were wielded without effort, and, as he was 
expert in their use, the Delaware remained a passive spectator 
of the proceedings. The progress of the ark had something 
of the stately solemnity of a funeral procession, the dip of 
the oars being measured, and the movement slow and steady. 

Hetty acted as pilot, directing Hurry how to proceed to 
find that spot in the lake which she was in the habit of term- 
ing “mother's grave." The reader will remember that the 
castle stood near the southern extremity of a shoal that ex- 
tended near half a mile northerly, and it was at the farthest 

1 knowledge ; literally, private knowledge. 


118 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


end of this shallow water that Floating Tom had seen fit to 
deposit the remains of his wife and child. The girl was en- 
abled to note their progress, and at the proper time she ap- 
proached March, whispering : 

“ Now, Hurry, you can stop rowing. We have passed the 
, stone on the bottom, and mother’s grave is near.” 

March ceased his efforts, immediately dropping the kedge 1 
and taking the warp 2 in his hand, in order to check the scow. 
There was no other priest than nature at that wild and sin- 
gular funeral rite. March cast his eyes below, and through 
the transparent medium of the clear water, which was almost 
as pure as air, he saw what Hetty was accustomed to call 
“ mother’s grave.” 

He signified to Judith that all was ready, received her di- 
rections to proceed, and, with no other assistant than his 
own vast strength, raised the body and bore it to the end of 
the scow. Two parts of rope were passed beneath the legs 
and shoulders, as they are placed beneath coffins, and then 
the corpse was suddenly lowered beneath the surface of the 
lake. 

“ There’s an end of Floating Tom ! ” exclaimed Hurry, 
bending over the scow, and gazing into the water at the 
body. “He was a brave companion on a scout, and a no- 
table hand at the traps. Don’t weep, Judith — don’t be 
overcome, Hetty, for the righteousest of us all must die; 
and, when the time comes, lamentation 3 and tears can’t 
bring the dead to life. When it’s agreeable to hear what an 
honest and onpretending man has to say, Judith, I should 
like to talk a little with you apart.” 

Judith dried her eyes, and led the way to the other end of 
the scow, signifying her wish for him to follow. Here she 
took a seat, and motioned for March to place himself at her 
side. 

‘‘ You wish to speak to me of marriage, Harry March,” 

; 1 small anchor. 2 rope. 3 audible expression of sorrow. 


hutter’s revelation and death. 


119 


she said, “and I have come here, over the grave of my 
parents, as it might be — no, no — over the grave of my 
poor, dear, dear mother, to hear what you have to say.” 

“You’ve no longer a father, or a mother, Judith,” said 
Hurry ; and it’s morally impossible that you and Hetty could 
live here alone. It’s time to think of a change and a hus- 
band, and if you’ll accept of me, all that’s past shall be 
forgotten, and there’s an end on’t.” 

Judith had difficulty in repressing her impatience until this 
rude declaration and offer were made, which she evidently 
wished to hear, and which she now listened to with a willing- 
ness that might well have excited hope. 

“ There, Hurry, that’s enough,” she said, raising a hand, 
as if to stop him; “I understand you as well as if you were 
to talk a month. You prefer me to other girls, and you wish 
me to become your wife.” 

“You put it in better words than I can do, Judith, and I 
wish you to fancy them said just as you most like to hear em.” 

“ They’re plain enough, Hurry, and ’tis fitting they should 
be so. This is no place to trifle or deceive in. There is a 
reason why I should not, cannot, ever be your wife, Hurry, 
that you seem to overlook, and which it is my duty now to tell 
you,, as plainly as you have asked me to consent to become so. 
I do not, and I am certain that I never shall, love you well 
enough to marry you.” 

Hurry had mistaken her, and had supposed he might easily 
convert her to consent. The struggle had been with himself, 
about offering ; nor had he ever seriously believed it possible 
that Judith would refuse to become the wife of the hand- 
somest man on all that frontier. 

“ The Glimmerglass has now no great call for me,” he ex- 
claimed after a minute’s silence. “ Old Tom is gone, the Hu- 
rons are as plenty on shore as pigeons in the woods; and, 
altogether, it is getting to be an onsuitable place.” 

“ Then leave it,” said Judith. 


120 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“ If I do go, 'twill be with a heavy heart on your account, 
Judith; I would rather take you with me." 

“ That is not to be spoken of any longer, March ; but I will 
land you in one of the canoes, as soon as it is dark, and you 
can strike a trail for the nearest garrison. 1. When you reach 
the fort, if you send a party " 

“ I understand what you would say, and why you don't say 
it," he replied. “ If I get safe to the fort, a party shall start 
on the trail of these vagabonds, and I'll come with it myself; 
for I should like to see you and Hetty in a place of safety 
before we part forever." 

Judith hesitated, and some powerful emotion was strug- 
gling within her. Then, as if determined to look down all 
weaknesses and accomplish her purposes at every hazard, she 
spoke more plainly. 

You will find a certain captain of the name of Warley at 
the nearest post," she said ; “ I think it likely he will wish 
to head the party ; I would greatly prefer it should be another. 
If Captain Warley can be kept back, 't would make me very 
happy!" 

“ That 's easier said than done, Judith ; for these officers do 
pretty much as they please. I know the officer you mean, a 
red-faced, gay, sort of gentleman, and yet a pleasant talker." 

Judith did not answer, but signified to Hurry that she had 
no more to communicate. 


CHAPTER XIII. 
deerslayer's furlough. 

Judith joined her sister with an air of dignity and solem- 
nity it was not her practice to show, and when she spoke it 
was firmly and without tremor. At that instant Hist and the 

1 body of troops stationed in a fort. 


DEERSLAYER’S FURLOUGH. 


121 


Delaware withdrew, moving towards Hurry in the other end of 
the boat. 

" Sister/' said Judith kindly/' I have much to say to you; 
we will get into this canoe, and paddle off to a distance from 
the ark — the secrets of two orphans ought not to be heard by 
every ear. Do you prepare the canoe, and I will tell Hurry 
and the Indians our wishes." 

This was soon and simply done ; the ark moving with 
measured strokes of the sweeps a hundred yards from the spot, 
leaving the girls floating above the place of the dead. 

" The death of Thomas Hutter,” Judith commenced, " has 
altered all our prospects, Hetty. If he was not our father, we 
are sisters, and must feel alike and live together." 

"If we are not Thomas Hutter’s children, Judith, no one 
will dispute our right to his property." 

"We have the castle and the ark, the canoe, the woods and 
the lakes, the same as when he was living. The old chest is 
now our property, and we have a right to look into it, and 
learn all we can by what it holds." 

The sisters talked long and earnestly together, chiefly upon 
the problem of staying or not staying on at what had long been 
their home, and when the canoe moved slowly away from the 
plaqe, under the gentle impulsion of the elder sister’s paddle, 
the younger sat musing, as was her wont whenever her mind 
was perplexed by any idea more abstract 1 and difficult of com- 
prehension 2 than common. 

" Is not that a canoe just passing behind the castle," ex- 
claimed Judith. " Here, more in tk lirection of the point, 
I mean ; it is hid now — but, certainly, I _ v a canoe steal- 
ing behind the logs.” 

" I’ve seen it some time,” Hetty qum +1 y answered, for the 
Indians had few terrors for her. " The canoe came from the 
camp, Judith, and was paddled by a single man; he seemed 
to be Deerslayer, and no Iroquois.” 

1 hard for the mind to grasp. 


2 understanding. 


122 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“ Deerslayer,” returned the other, with much of her native 
impetuosity. “ That can’t be ! Deerslayer is a prisoner, 
and I have been thinking of the means of setting him free. 
Why did you fancy it Deerslayer, child ? ” 

You can look for yourself, sister; there comes the canoe 
in sight again, on this side of the hut.” 

A single glance sufficed to assure Judith that her sister was 
right, and that Deerslayer was alone in the canoe. His ap- 
proach was so calm and leisurely, however, as to fill her with 
wonder, since a man who had ‘effected his escape from ene- 
mies, by either artifice or violence, would not be apt to move 
with the steadiness and deliberation with which his paddle 
swept the water. As the canoes approached each other — for 
Judith and her sister had plied their paddles so as to inter- 
cept 1 the unexpected visitor ere he reached the ark — even 
Deerslayer’s sunburned countenance wore a brighter aspect 
than common, under the pleasing tints that seemed to dance 
in the atmosphere. 

“ Welcome, Deerslayer — welcome, Deerslayer! ” exclaimed 
the girl, as the canoes floated at each other’s side, the paddles 
having ceased their movements ; “ we have had a melancholy 
— a frightful day — but your return is, at least, one misfor- 
tune the less. Have the Hurons become more humane and 
let you go ; or have you escaped from the wretches by your 
own courage and skill ?” 

“ Neither, Judith — neither one or t’other. The Mingos 
are Mingos still, and will live and die Mingos ; it is not likely 
their natur’s will ever undergo much improvement. They 
feel their loss here, in the late scrimmage, to their hearts’ 
cores, and are ready to revenge it on any creatur’ of English 
blood that may fall in their way.” 

“They have killed father; that ought to satisfy their 
wicked craving for blood,” observed Hetty, reproachfully. 

“I know it, gal — I know the whole story — partly from 

1 meet or join while on the way, come between. 


DEERSLAYER’S FURLOUGH. 


123 


what I've seen from the shore, since they brought me up 
from the point, and partly from their threats ag'in myself, 
and their other discourse. I can't bring the dead to life, but 
as to feeding the living, there's few on all this frontier can 
outdo me, though I say it in the way of pity and consolation 
like, and in no particular in the way of boasting ! " 

“We understand you, Deerslayer," returned Judith, has- 
tily, “ and take all that falls from your lips, as it is meant, in 
kindness and friendship. But you have forgotten to tell us 
by what means you are here." 

“ I ! — oh ! That's not very onaccountable, if I am myself, 
Judith. I'm out on furlough." 

“ Furlough ! — That word has a meaning among the soldiers 
that I understand ; I cannot tell what it signifies when used 
by a prisoner." 

“ It means just the same. A furlough is when a man has 
leave to quit camp or garrison, for a sartain specified time ; 
at the end of which he is to come back and shoulder his mus- 
ket or submit to his torments, just as he may happen to be a 
soldier or a captive. Being the last, I must take the chances 
of a prisoner." 

“ Have the Hurons suffered you to quit them in this man- 
ner, .without watch or guard ? " 

“ Sartain — I couldn't have come in any other manner, un- 
less, indeed, it had been by a bold rising or a sarcumvention." 

“ What pledge have they that you will ever return ? " 

“My word," answered the hunter, simply. “ Yes, I own 
I gave them that , and big fools would they have been to let 
me come without it ! " 

“ Can it be possible that you think of putting yourself 
again in the power of such ruthless enemies, by keeping your 
word ? " 

Deerslayer looked at his fair questioner for a moment with 
stern displeasure. Then the expression of his honest and 
guileless face suddenly changed, lighting, as by a quick illu- 


124 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


mination of thought ; after which he laughed in his ordinary 
manner. 

“I didn’t understand you at first, Judith; no, I didn’t ! 
You believe that Chingachgook and Hurry Harry won’t suf- 
fer it, but you don’t know mankind thoroughly yet, I see.” 

'* “When is your furlough out, Deerslayer?” she asked, 
after both canoes were heading towards the ark, and moving 
with scarcely a perceptible effort of the paddles through the 
water. 

“ To-morrow noon — not a minute afore.” 

“ Are they bent on revenging their losses ? ” Judith asked, 
faintly, her own high spirit yielding to the influence of the 
other’s quiet but dignified integrity of purpose. 

“ Downright, if I can judge of Indian inclinations by the 
symptoms.” 1 

“ Oh ! Deerslayer, they will think better of this since they 
have given you until to-morrow noon to make up your mind!” 

“I judge not, Judith; yes, I judge not. An Injin is an 
Injin, gal, and it’s pretty much hopeless to think of swarv- 
ing him, when he’s got the scent and follows it with his nose 
in the air. But here’s the ark, and we’ll say more of this 
when there is a better opportunity.” 

The meeting between Deerslayer and his friends in the 
ark was grave and anxious. It was now getting dark, and it 
was decided to sweep the ark up to the castle, and secure it 
in its ordinary berth. Deerslayer had a proposition to make 
— the object of his visit ; and, if this were accepted, the war 
would at once terminate between the parties ; and it was im- 
probable that the Hurons would anticipate the failure of a 
project on which their chiefs had apparently set their hearts, 
by having recourse to violence previous to return of their 
messenger. 

As soon as the ark was properly secured, the different 
members of the party occupied themselves in their several 

1 siyns. 


DEERSLAYER’S FURLOUGH. 


125 


peculiar manners. The women busied themselves in prepa- 
rations for the evening meal, sad and silent, but ever atten- 
tive to the first wants of nature. 

The meal ended, and the humble preparations removed, 
the whole party assembled on the platform to hear the ex- 
pected intelligence from Deerslayer. on the subject of his 
visit. It had been evident he was in no haste to make his 
communications; but the feelings of Judith would no longer 
admit of delay. 

“Now, Deerslayer/’ commenced Judith, whose impatience 
resisted further restraint ; “now, Deerslayer, tell us all the 
Hilrons have to say, and the reason why they sent you on 
parole to make us some offer.” 

“ ’Tisn’t a pleasant, and I know it’s a useless ar’nd; — but 
it must be told. They hold that all on the lake lies at their 
marcy, and, therefore, they send by me this belt of wam- 
pum,” — showing the article in question to the Delaware as 
he spoke,— “ with these words : Tell the Sarpent he may 
now strike across the mountains for his own villages, and no 
one shall look for his trail. If lie has found a scalp, let him 
take it with him. Hist,hows’ever,must go back to theHurons; 
when she left them in the night she carried away, by mistake, 
that' which doesn’t belong to her. Hist has brought away 
with her the inclinations of a young Huron, and they want 
her back again, that the poor young man may find them 
where he last saw them! That’s their meaning, and nothing 
else, as I understand it.” 

“Judith, the next message is to you. They say the Musk- 
rat, as they call your father, has dove to the bottom of the 
lake, that he will never come up again, and that his young 
will soon be in want of wigwams, if not of food. They wish 
you to come and try the huts of the Hurons. Your color is 
white, but they think young women who’ve lived so long in 
the woods would lose their way in the clearin’s. A great 
warrior among them has lately lost his wife, and he would be 


126 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


glad to put the Wild Kose on her bench at his fire-side. As 
for the Feeble-Mind, she will always be honored and taken 
care of by red warriors. Your father’s goods, they think, 
ought to go to enrich the tribe; but your own property, 
which is to include everything of a female natur’, will go, 
like that of all wives, into the wigwam of the husband. 
Moreover, they’ve lost a young maiden, by violence, lately, 
and ’twill take two pale-faces to fill her seat.” 

“ And do you bring such a message to me!” exclaimed 
J udith, though the tone in which the words were uttered had 
more in it of sorrow than of anger. “Am I a girl to be an 
Indian’s slave ? ” 

“ If you wish my honest thoughts on this p’int, Judith, I 
shall answer that I don’t think you’ll willingly ever become 
any man’s slave, red- skin or white. Next comes the question 
with Hist — what say you, gal? — will you desart your duty, 
too, and go back to the Mingos and take a Huron husband ; 
and all, not for the love of the man you’re to marry, but for 
the love of your own scalp. 

Hist rose from her bench, and naturally recurring to that 
language in which she expressed herself the most readily, she 
delivered her thoughts and intentions in the tongue of her 
own people. 

“Tell the Hurons, Deerslayer,” she said, “that they are 
as ignorant as moles; they don’t know the wolf from the 
dog. Were the Huron born of the people that once roamed 
the shores of the salt lake, it would be in vain, unless he were 
of the family of Uncas. The young pine will rise to be as 
high as any of its fathers. Wah-ta! - AVah has but one heart, 
and it can love but one husband.” 

Deerslayer listened to this characteristic message, which 
was given with an earnestness suited to the feelings from 
which it sprung, with undisguised delight; meeting the 
ardent eloquence of the girl, as she concluded, with one of 
his own heart-felt, silent, and peculiar fits of laughter. 


deerslayer’s furlough. 


127 


“ Chingachgook,” said Deerslayer, “let us hear your mind 
on this matter.” 

Like his betrothed, the young chief arose, that his answer 
might be given with due distinctness and dignity. 

“ AYampum should be sent to wampum,” he said ; “ a mes- 
sage must be answered by a message. Tell the Huron dogs 
to howl louder, if they wish a Delaware to find them in the 
woods, where they burrow like foxes, instead of hunting like 
warriors. When they had a Delaware maiden in their camp, 
there was a reason for hunting them up ; now they will be 
forgotten, unless they make a noise. Chingachgook will 
keep AVah-ta!- Wall with him to cook his game; they two 
will be Delawares enough to scare all the Hurons back to 
their own country.” 

“ That’s a grand dispatch as the officers call them things ! ” 
cried Deerslayer ; “ ’twill set all the Huron blood in motion, 
most particularly that part where he tells ’em Hist, too, will 
keep on their heels, till they’re fairly driven out of the coun- 
try. And now, Judith, it’s your turn to speak, for them 
miscreants 1 will expect an answer from each person, poor 
Hetty, perhaps excepted.” 

“And why not Hetty, Deerslayer? She often speaks to 
the purpose; the Indians may respect her words, for they 
feel for people in her condition.” 

“ That’s true, Judith, and quick-thoughted in you. The 
red-skins do respect misfortune of all kinds, and Hetty’s in 
particular. So, Hetty, if you have anything to say, I’ll carry 
it to the Hurons as faithfully as if it was spoken by a school- 
master or a missionary.” 

The girl hesitated a moment, and then she answered in her 
own gentle, soft tones, as earnestly as any who had pre- 
ceded her. 

“ This lake is ours, and we won’t leave it. Father’s and 
mother’s graves are in it, and even the worst Indians love to 


i vile wretches. 


128 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


stay near the graves of their fathers. I will come and see 
them again, if they wish me to, and read more out of the 
Bible to them, but I can't quit father's and mother's graves." 

Judith manifested a reluctance to give her reply, that had 
awakened a little curiosity in the messenger. 

“ Deerslayer," she said, “ my answer shall be given after 
you and I have talked together alone, when the others have 
laid themselves down for the night." 

There was a decision in the manner of the girl that dis- 
posed Deerslayer to comply, and this he did the more readily 
as the delay could produce no material consequences, one way 
or the other. 

The hour of nine soon arrived, and then it had been de- 
termined that Hurry should commence his journey. Instead 
of making his adieus 1 frankly, and in a generous spirit, the 
little he thought it necessary to say was uttered sullenly and 
in coldness. 

Hurry entered the canoe where Deerslayer was already 
awaiting him, when they paddled ahead in silence. It had 
been determined to land Hurry at the precise point where he 
is represented, at the commencement of our tale, as having 
embarked ; not only as a place little likely to be watched by 
the Hurons, but because he was sufficiently familiar with the 
signs of the woods at that spot to thread his way through 
them in the dark. 

“ You will do well to persuade the officers at the garrison 
to lead out a party ag'in these vagabonds as soon as you git 
in, Hurry," Deerslayer said; “and you'll do better if you 
volunteer to guide it up yourself. You know the paths, and 
the shape of the lake, and the natur' of the land, and can do 
it better than a common scout. Strike for the Huron camp 
first, and follow the signs that will show themselves." 

“You cannot mean to give' yourself up ag'in to them mur- 
dering savages, Deerslayer ! " he said, quite as much in angry 

1 good-byes (Adieu — To God, as Good-bye — God-be-with-you.) 


DEERSLAYER RETURNS TO THE INDIANS. 


129 


remonstrance as with generous feeling. “’Twould be the 
act of a madman or a fool ! ” 

“ There’s them that thinks it madness to keep their words, 
and there’s them that don’t. Hurry Harry. You may be one 
of the first, but I’m one of the last. Farewell, Harry; we 
may not meet ag’in ; but I would wish you never to treat a 
furlough, or any other solemn thing that your Christian God 
has been called on to witness, as a duty so light that it may 
be forgotten according to the wants of the body, or even to 
the cravings of the spirit.” 

March was now glad to escape, for it was quite impossible 
that he could enter into the sentiments that ennobled his 
companion. 

Deerslayer stood calmly on the shore, listening to Hurry’s 
progress through the bushes, shook his head in dissatisfaction 
at the want of caution, and then stepped quietly into his 
canoe. Sighing heavily, he pushed the canoe from the land, 
and took his way back, with steady diligence, towards the 
ark and the castle. 


CHAPTER XIY. 

i 

DEERSLAYER RETURNS TO THE INDIANS. 

Judith was awaiting the return of Deerslayer on the plat- 
form with stifled impatience when the latter reached the hut. 

‘‘And now, Deerslayer,” said Judith, “you see I have 
lighted the lamp and put it in the cabin of the ark. Will you 
follow me, and see what I have to show you — hear what I 
have to say ? ” 

The hunter was a little surprised; but making no objec- 
tions, both were soon in the scow, and in the room that con- 
tained the light. Two stools were placed at the side of the 
chest, with the lamp on another, and a table near by to re- 


130 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


ceive the different articles as they might be brought to view. 
Even all the padlocks were removed, and it only remained to 
raise the heavy lid, and to expose the treasures of this long- 
secreted hoard. 

“I see, in part, what all this means,” observed Deerslayer 
— “yes, I see through it in part.” 

Deerslayer took his seat, and proceeded once more to bring 
to light the different articles that the chest contained. 

“All these we have seen before,” Judith said, “ and will 
not stop to open them again. The bundle under your arm, 
Deerslayer, is a fresh one ; that we will look into. God send 
it may contain something to tell poor Hetty and myself who 
we really are ! ” 

Deerslayer complied , 1 and he found that it contained a 
small trunk of pretty workmanship, but fastened. The next 
point was to find a key ; but, search proving ineffectual, it 
was determined to force the lock. This was soon effected, 
and it was found that the interior was nearly filled with 
papers. Many were letters ; some fragments of manuscripts, 
memorandums, accounts, and other similar documents. The 
hawk does not pounce upon the chicken with a more sudden 
swoop than Judith sprung forward to seize this mine of 
hitherto concealed knowledge. Her education was far supe- 
rior to her situation in life, and her eye glanced over page 
after page of the letters, with a readiness that her schooling 
supplied, and with an avidity 2 that found its origin in her 
feelings. 

Judith was much gratified with the letters, for they gave 
her an idea of who her mother was and something about her 
coming to the lake. Her mother had married an officer con- 
nected with the English troops, who, after the birth of 
Hetty, grew tired of her and left her. 

She in a time of resentment married Thomas Hovey, or as 
he is known to the reader, Thomas Hutter, who was her infe- 


1 yielded consent. 


2 eagerness. 


DEERSLAYER RETURNS TO THE INDIANS. 


131 


rior in station, and who had been a freebooter. Nothing else 
was found among the papers that could lead to the discovery 
of either the name or the place of residence of the wife of 
Hutter. 

Throwing herself back in her seat, she simply desired her 
companion to finish the examination of the other articles in 
the chest, as it might yet contain something of importance. 

“I'll do it, Judith; Fll do it,” returned the patient Deer- 
slayer; “but if there's many more letters to read we shall see 
the sun ag'in, afore you've got through with the reading of 
them ! Two good hours have you been looking at them bits 
of papers ! '' 

“ They tell me of my parents, Deerslayer, and have settled 
my plans for life. I am sorry to have kept you waiting. 

“And now, Deerslayer," said Judith, “we will talk of 
yourself, and of the means of getting you out of the hands of 
the Hurons. Any part or all of what you have seen in the 
chest will be cheerfully given up by me and Hetty to set you 
at liberty." 

“ Well, that's downright free-hearted, and free-handed, and 
ginerous." After a prolonged confab on their personal rela- 
tions, Deerslayer finally said: “Judith, ’tis better to say no 
more to-night. Sleep on what you've seen and felt ; in the 
morning things that now look gloomy may look more cheer- 
ful." 

Deerslayer arose as he spoke, and Judith had no choice but 
to comply. The chest was closed and secured, and they parted 
in silence; she to take her place by the side of Hist and Hetty 
on the bed, and he to seek a blanket on the floor of the cabin 
he was in. it was not five minutes ere the young man was 
in a deep sleep; but the girl continued awake for a long 
time. 

Hist and Hetty arose with the return of light, leaving 
Judith still buried in sleep. Chingachgook was studying 
the shore of the lake, the mountains, and the heavens. The 


132 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


meeting between the lovers was simple, but affectionate. 
The chief showed a manly kindness, equally removed from 
boyish weakness and haste; while the girl betrayed in her 
smile and half -averted looks the bashful tenderness of her sex. 

The youthful pair were yet conversing when the sun ap- 
peared above the tops of the pines, and the light of a brilliant 
American day streamed down into the valley, bathing “ in deep 
joy ” the lake, the forests, and the mountain sides. Just at 
that instant Deerslayer came out of the cabin of the ark, and 
stepped upon the platform. His first look was at the cloud- 
less heavens, then his rapid glance took in the entire pano- 
rama 1 of land and water, when he had leisure for a friendly 
nod at his friends, and a cheerful smile for Hist. 

Hetty soon announced that breakfast was ready, and the 
whole party were soon seated around the simple board in the 
primitive 2 manner of borderers. J udith was the last to take 
her seat, pale, silent, and betraying in her countenance that 
she had passed a painful if not a sleepless night. 

By this time the sun had ascended to some height. Its ap- 
pearance, taken in connection with his present feelings, in- 
duced 3 Deerslayer to prepare to depart. The Delaware got 
the canoe ready for his friend, as soon as apprised 4 of his 
intention, while Hist busied herself in making the few ar- 
rangements that were thought necessary for his comfort. 

That something extraordinary was concealed in Judith/ s 
breast Deerslayer thought obvious 5 enough ; but, through a 
sentiment of manly delicacy that would have done credit to 
the highest human refinement, he shrunk from any exposure 
of her secret that might subsequently cause regret to the girl 
herself. He, therefore, determined to depart now, and that 
without further manifestations 6 of feeling either from him- 
self or from others. 


1 complete view in every direction. 

2 old-fashioned. 

3 led. 


4 informed. 

5 easily noticed. 

6 exhibitions, displays. 


deerslayer’s escape and recapture. 


133 


“ God bless yon ! Sarpent — God bless you ! " cried the 
hunter, as with Hetty he left the platform in the canoe. 
“ Your Manitou and my God only know when and where we 
shall meet agfin ; I shall count it a great blessing, and a full 
reward for any little good I may have done on *arth, if we 
shall be permitted to know each other, and to consort 1 to- 
gether hereafter, as we have so long done in these pleasant 
woods afore us! " 

Ohingachgook waved his hand. Drawing the light blanket 
he wore over his head, as a Roman would conceal his grief in 
his robes, he slowly withdrew into the ark, in order to in- 
dulge his sorrow and his musings alone. 

The canoe now glided ahead, holding its way toward the 
point where Deerslayer well knew that his enemies expected 
him, and where he now began to be afraid that he might not 
arrive in season to redeem his plighted 2 faith. 


CHAPTER XY. 

deerslayer’s escape and recapture. 

9 

One experienced in the signs of the heavens would have 
seen that the sun wanted but two or three minutes of the 
zenith, when Deerslayer landed on the point where the Hu- 
rons were now encamped, nearly abreast of the castle. 
Rivenoak and the Panther sat side by side, awaiting the ap- 
proach of their prisoner as Deerslayer put his moccasined 
foot on the strand; nor did either move or utter a syllable 
until the young man had advanced into the center of the 
area and proclaimed his presence with his voice. 

This was done firmly, though in the simple manner that 
marked the character of the individual. 


1 associate. 


2 pledged. 


134 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


“ Here I am, Mingos,” he said in the dialect of the Dela- 
wares, a language that most present understood; ‘‘here I 
am, and there is the sun. One is not more true to the laws 
of natur’, than the other has proved true to his word. I am 
your prisoner; do with me what you please. My business 
with man and ’arth is settled ; nothing remains now but to 
meet the white man’s G-od, accordin’ to a white man’s duties 
and gifts.” 

“ Pale-face, you are honest,” said the Huron orator. “ My 
people are happy in having captured a man, and not a skulk- 
ing fox. We now know you ; we shall treat you like a 
brave.” 

“ True enough, Mingo, all true as gospel,” returned the 
simple-minded hunter. “ Here I am, ready to receive judg- 
ment from your council, if, indeed, the matter was not detar- 
mined among you afore I got back.” 

A short conference was privately held among the chiefs. 

As soon as the latter ended, three or four young men fell 
back from among the armed group, and disappeared. Then 
it was signified to the prisoner that he was at liberty to go at 
large on the point, until a council was held concerning his 
fate. 

In the meantime the business of the camp appeared to pro- 
ceed in its regular train. The chiefs consulted apart, ad- 
mitting no one but the Sumach to their councils ; for she, 
the widow of the fallen warrior, had an exclusive 1 right to 
be heard on such an occasion. 

The delay proved far more trying than the nearer approach 
of suffering, and the intended victim began seriously to medi- 
tate some desperate effort at escape, as it might be from sheer 
anxiety to terminate the scene, when he was suddenly sum- 
moned to appear once more in front of his judges, who had 
already arranged the band in its order, in readiness to receive 
him. 


1 belonging only to her. 


DEERS LAYER’S ESCAPE AND RECAPTURE. 


135 


<( Killer of the Deer,” commenced Rivenoak, as soon as his 
captive stood before him, “my aged men have listened to 
wise words ; they are ready to speak. Here is the Sumach ; 
she is alone in her wigwam, with children crying for food ; 
yonder is a rifle; it is loaded and ready to be fired. Take 
the gun ; go forth and shoot a deer ; bring the venison and 
lay it before the widow of le Loup-Cervier ; feed her chil- 
dren ; call yourself her husband. After which, your heart 
will no longer be Delaware, but Huron; the Sumach’s ears 
will not hear the cries of her children : my people will count 
the proper number of warriors.” 

“I fear’d this, Rivenoak,” answered Deerslayer, when the 
other had ceased speaking; “yes, I did dread that it would 
come to this. Hows’ever, the truth is soon told, and that 
will put an end to all expectations on this head. Mingo, I’m 
white, and Christian-born ; ’t would ill become me to take a 
wife, under red-skin forms, from among heathen.” 

These words were scarcely out of the mouth of Deerslayer, 
before a common murmur betrayed the dissatisfaction with 
which they had been heard. But all the other manifestations 
of disappointment and discontent were thrown into the back- 
ground by the fierce resentment of the Panther. 

“Dog of the pale-faces!” he exclaimed in Iroquois, “go 
yell among the curs of your own evil hunting-grounds. ” 

The denunciation was accompanied by an appropriate 
action. Even while speaking, his arm was lifted, and the 
tomahawk hurled. Luckily the loud tones of the speaker 
had drawn the eye of Deerslayer towards him, else would 
that moment have probably closed his career. So great was 
the dexterity with which this dangerous weapon was thrown, 
and so deadly the intent, that it would have riven the skull 
of the prisoner had he not stretched forth an arm and caught 
the handle in one of its turns, with a readiness quite as re- 
markable as the skill with which the missile 1 had been hurled. 


1 weapon to be thrown. 


136 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


The projectile 1 force was so great, notwithstanding, that 
when Deerslayer’ s arm was arrested, his hand was raised 
above and behind his own head, and in the very attitude ne- 
cessary to return the attack. It is not certain whether the 
circumstance of finding himself unexpectedly in this men- 
acing 2 posture and armed, tempted the young man to retaliate, 
or whether sudden resentment overcame his forbearance and 
prudence. His eye kindled, however, and a small red spot 
appeared on each cheek, while he cast all his energy in the 
effort of his arm and threw back the weapon of his assailant. 
The unexpectedness of this blow contributed to its success ; 
the Panther neither raising an arm nor bending his head to 
avoid it. The keen little axe struck the victim in a perpen- 
dicular line with the nose directly between the eyes, literally 
braining him on the spot. Sallying forward, as the serpent 
darts at its enemy even while receiving its own death-wound, 
this man of powerful frame fell his length into the open area 
formed by the circle, quivering in death. A common rush to 
his relief left the captive, for a single instant, quite without 
the crowd ; and, willing to make one desperate effort for life, 
he bounded off with the activity of a deer. 

To run among the bushes was out of the question, and 
Deerslayer held his way for some forty or fifty yards in the 
water, which was barely knee deep, offering as great an ob- 
stacle to the speed of his pursuers as it did to his own. As 
soon as a favorable spot presented, he darted through the line 
of bushes, and issued into the open woods. 

Deerslayer knew too well the desperate nature of the strug- 
gle in which he was engaged to lose one of the precious mo- 
ments. He also knew that his only hope was to run in a 
straight line ; for as soon as he began to turn, or double, the 
greater number of his pursuers would put escape out of the 
question. The summit of the first hill was now quite near 
to him, and he saw, by the formation of the land, that a 

1 impelling forward. 2 threatening. 


deerslayer’s escape and recapture. 


137 


deep glen intervened before the base of the second hill could 
be reached. Walking deliberately to the summit, he glanced 
eagerly about him in every direction, in quest 1 of a cover. 
None offered in the ground; but a fallen tree lay near him, 
and desperate circumstances require desperate remedies. This 
tree lay in a line parallel to the glen, at the brow of the hill ; 
to leap on it, and then to force his person as close as possible 
under its lower side, took but a moment. Previously to dis- 
appearing from his pursuers, however, Deerslayer stood on 
the height and gave a cry of triumph, as if exulting at the 
sight of the descent that lay before him. In the next instant 
he was stretched beneath the tree. 

The foremost Indians shouted as they reached the height; 
then, fearful that their enemy would escape under favor of the 
descent, each leaped upon the fallen tree, and then plunged 
into the ravine, trusting to get a sight of the pursued, ere he 
reached the bottom. Deerslayer still lay quiet, watching with 
jealous vigilance 2 every movement below, and fast regaining 
breath. 

The Hurons now resembled a pack of hounds at fault. 
Little was said, but each man ran about, examining the dead 
leaves, as the hound hunts for the lost scent. 

The young man now ventured from his concealment, 
scrambled to the top of the hill, and rose to his feet, walking 
swiftly but steadily in a direction opposite to that in which 
he had first fled. No sooner did he reach the height than he 
was seen, and the chase renewed. 

The situation of Deerslayer was now more critical than it 
ever had been. He was virtually surrounded on three sides, 
having the lake on the fourth. Deerslayer had now a differ- 
ent, though a desperate, project in view. Abandoning all 
thoughts of escape by the woods, he made the best of his way 
towards the canoe. 

As Deerslayer approached the point, several women and 


i search* 


2 watchfulness. 


138 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


children were passed ; but though the former endeavored to 
cast dried branches between his legs, the terror inspired by 
his bold retaliation on the redoubted 1 Panther was so great, 
that none dared come near enough seriously to molest 2 him. 
He went by all triumphantly, and reached the fringe of 
bushes. Plunging through these, our hero found himself 
once more in the lake, and within fifty feet of the canoe. He 
stooped, as he advanced, and cooled his parched mouth by 
scooping up the water in his hand to drink. Still the mo- 
ments pressed, and he soon stood at the side of the canoe. 
The first glance told him that the paddles had been removed. 
This was a sore disappointment, especially as his pursuers 
were now close upon him in the lake. Preparing himself 
duly, and giving a right direction to its bows, he ran off into 
the water bearing the canoe before him, threw all his strength 
and skill into a last effort, and cast himself forward so as to 
fall into the bottom of the light craft, without materially 
impeding 3 its way. Here he remained on his back, both to 
regain his breath, and to cover his person from the deadly 
rifle. 

Perhaps the situation of Deerslayer had not been more 
critical that day than it was at this moment ; it certainly had 
not been one-half as tantalizing . 4 Suddenly all the voices 
ceased, and a death-like stillness pervaded the spot; a quiet- 
ness as profound as if all lay in the repose of inanimate 5 life. 
By this time, the canoe had drifted so far as to render noth- 
ing visible to Deerslayer, as he lay on his back, except the 
blue void of space. He took out a knife, and was about to 
cut a hole through the bark in order to get a view of the 
shore, when he paused from a dread of being seen in the 
operation, which would direct the enemy where to aim their 
bullets. At this instant a rifle was fired, and the ball pierced 
both sides of the canoe, within eighteen inches of the spot 

1 redoubtable, formidable, warlike. * exciting expectation which will not be 

2 trouble, disturb. realized. 

3 hindering. 5 dead, inactive. 


deerslayer’s escape and recapture. 


139 


where his head lay. This was close work, but our hero had 
too lately gone through that which was closer to be appalled . 1 
He lay still half a minute longer, and then he saw the sum- 
mit of an oak coming slowly within his narrow horizon. 

Deerslayer now felt the urgent necessity of resorting to 
some expedient to get farther from his foes, and, if possible, 
to apprise his friends of his situation. Before quitting the 
shore, and as soon as he perceived that the paddles were gone, 
Deerslayer had thrown a bit of dead branch into the canoe, 
and this was within reach of his arm. He now bethought 
him of the stick, which was crooked and olfered some facili- 
ties for rowing without the necessity of rising. He was mak- 
ing a stronger push than common, when a bullet from the 
point broke the stick out-board , 2 and at once deprived him 
of his oar. As the sound of voices seemed to grow more and 
more distant, Deerslayer determined to leave all to the drift 
until he believed himself beyond the reach of bullets. 

By the time Deerslayer had been twenty minutes in the 
canoe, he began to grow a little impatient for some signs of 
relief. Some additional ten minutes may have passed in this 
manner, when Deerslayer thought he heard a slight noise like 
a low rubbing against the bottom of his canoe. He opened 
his eyes of course, in expectation of seeing the face or arm of 
an Indian rising from the water, and found that a canopy of 
leaves was impending 3 directly over his head. Starting to his 
feet, the first object that met his eye was Kivenoak, who had 
so far aided the slow progress of the boat, as to draw it on the 
point, the grating on the strand being the sound that had 
first given our hero the alarm. 

“Come,” said the Huron; “my young friend has sailed 
about till he is tired; he will forget how to run again unless 
he uses his legs. Who will feed Sumach and her young ? 
The man who told her husband and her brother to quit her 
lodge that there might be room for him to come into it. He 

i dismayed (literally made pale with terror). 2 outside of the canoe. 3 hanging over. 


140 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


is a great hunter, and we know that the woman will never 
want.” 

‘•'Ay, Huron, this is soon settled, according to your no- 
tions; but it goes sorely ag’in the grain of a white man’s feel- 
in’s. For my part, I do not seek my end; nor do I seek 
matrimony.” 1 

“ The pale-face will think of this while my people get ready 
for the council. Go: when we want him, the name of Deer- 
slayer will be called.” 

This conversation had been held with no one near but the 
speakers. Rivenoak walked up the vista 2 of trees, as soon as 
he ceased speaking, leaving Deerslayer by himself. The chief 
disappeared behind the covers of the forest, and one unprac- 
tised in such scenes might have believed the prisoner left to 
the dictates of his own judgment. Deerslayer now better 
understood his actual situation. He was a prisoner on the 
narrow tongue of land, vigilantly watched beyond a ques- 
tion, and with no other means of escape than that of swim- 
ming. The hunter advanced into the area, where to his 
surprise he saw Hetty alone, evidently awaiting his return. 
The girl carried the Bible under her arm; and her face, 
over which a shadow of gentle melancholy was usually thrown, 
now seemed sad and downcast. Moving nearer, Deerslayer 
spoke. 

“ Poor Hetty,” he said, “ we meet to mourn over what is 
to happen.” 

“ Why did you kill the Huron, Deerslayer ? ” returned the 
girl, reproachfully. “ Don’t you know your command- 
ments, which say, ‘Thou^halt not kill! ’” 

[They talk about this — how it happened — how he could 
not marry Sumach, etc.] 

The stirring of leaves and the cracking of dried twigs inter- 
rupted the discourse, and apprised Deerslayer of the approach 

1 wedlock ; condition of marriage. 

2 view or prospect ; here, trees form the avenue through which a viewjs obtained. 


m 


deerslayer’s torture and rescue. 


141 


of his enemies. The Hurons closed around the spot that had 
been prepared for the coming scene, and in the center of 
which the intended victim now stood in a circle — the armed 
men being so distributed among the feebler members of the 
band, that there was no safe opening through which the 
prisoner could break. 

When the whole band was arrayed around the captive a 
grave silence, so much the more threatening from its pro- 
found quiet, pervaded the place. Deerslayer perceived that 
the women and boys had been preparing splinters of the fat 
pine roots, which he well knew were to be stuck into his 
flesh, and set in flames, while two or three of the young 
men held the thongs of bark with which he was to be bound. 
The smoke of a distant fire announced also that the burning 
brands were in preparation. The young men of the tribe 
showed an impatience to begin the torture ; that Rivenoak un- 
derstood; and as his elder associates manifested no disposition 
to permit any longer delay, he was compelled to give the 
signal for the infernal work to proceed. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

deerslayer’s torture and rescue. 

It was one of the common expedients of the savages on such 
occasions to put the nerves of their victims to the severest 
tests. No sooner did the young men understand that they 
were at liberty to commence, than some of the boldest and 
most forward among them sprang into the arena, tomahawk 
in hand. Here they prepared to throw that dangerous weapon, 
the object being to strike the tree, against which Deerslayer 
had now been placed and bound, as near as possible to the 
victim’* head, without absolutely hitting him. Several young 


142 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


warriors not only hurled the tomahawk, but cast the knife, a 
far more dangerous experiment, with reckless 1 indifference; 
yet they always manifested a skill that prevented any injury 
to the captive. 

Rivenoak called four or five of the best marksmen to him, 
and bade them put the captive to the proof of the rifle, while, 
at the same time, he cautioned them touching the necessity 
of their maintaining their own credit by the closest attention 
to the manner of exhibiting their skill. 

Hetty Hutter witnessed all that passed, and the scene at 
first had pressed upon her feeble mind in a way to paralyze 2 it 
entirely; but by this time she had rallied, and was growing 
indignant at the unmerited suffering the Indians were inflict- 
ing on her friend. 

“ Why do you torment Deerslayer, red-men ? ” she asked. 
“ What has he done that you trifle with his life? Suppose 
one of your knives or tomahawks had hit him ; what Indian 
among you all could cure the wound you would make ? 
When Father and Hurry Harry came after your scalps he re- 
fused to be of the party. You are tormenting your friend in 
tormenting this young man ! If you want to see a trial of 
skill merely, give Deerslayer a rifle, and then see how much 
more expert he is than your warriors.” 

“ My daughter does not always talk like a chief at a council 
fire,” returned Rivenoak, 4 4 or she would not have said this. 
Go, daughter, and sit by Sumach, who is in grief ; let the 
Huron warriors show how well they can shoot.” 

Hetty’s mind was unequal to a sustained 3 discussion, and, 
accustomed to defer 4 to the directions of her seniors , 5 she did 
as she was told. 

The warriors resumed their places, and again prepared to 
exhibit their skill, as there was a double object in view, 
that of putting the constancy of the captive to the proof, 

1 careless. * yield or submit to. 

2 unnerve, deprive of strength. 5 those older. 

3 prolonged. 


deerslayer’s torture and rescue. 143 

and that of showing how steady were the hands of the 
marksmen. 

So exact was Deerslayer’s estimation of the line of fire, 
that his pride of feeling finally got the better of his resigna- 
tion, and, when five or six had discharged their bullets into 
the tree, he could not refrain from expressing his contempt 
at their want of hand and eye. 

Rivenoak perceived that the moment was critical. Moving 
into the center of the irritated group, he addressed them with 
his usual wily logic and plausible manner, at once suppress- 
ing the fierce movement to produce death in their victim, 
which he wished to avoid. 

“ I see how it is,” said he. “ We have been like the pale- 
faces when they fasten their doors at night out of fear of the 
red-man. They use so many bars, that the fire comes and 
burns them before they can get out. We have bound the 
Deerslayer too tight ; the thongs keep his limbs from shak- 
ing, and his eyes from shutting. Loosen him ; let us see what 
his own body is really made of.” 

The proposal of the chief found instant favor ; and several 
hands were instantly at work, cutting and tearing the ropes 
of bark from the body of our hero. In half a minute, Deer- 
slayer stood as free from bonds, as when, an hour before, he 
had commenced flight on the side of the mountain. As soon 
as Deerslayer was released, the band divided itself in a circle 
around him, in order to hedge him in; and the desire to 
break down his spirit grew in them precisely as they saw 
proofs of the difficulty there would be in subduing it. 

Preparations were now seriously making for the commence- 
ment of the real tortures, or that which would put the forti- 
tude 1 of the sufferer to the test of severe bodily pain. A 
sudden and unlooked-for announcement, that proceeded from 
one of the look-outs, a boy of ten or twelve years old, how- 
ever, put a momentary check to the whole proceedings. It 

l the power of mind which enables a person to suffer without complaining. 


144 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


required but a minute or two to bring an explanation of this 
singular and mysterious pause, which was soon terminated 
by the appearance of Judith, on the outside of the group, and 
her ready admission within its circle. 

All her ordinary forest attire, neat and becoming as this 
usually was, had been laid aside. The girl had managed to 
arrange her dress in a way to leave nothing strikingly defec- 
tive in its details, or even to betray an incongruity that would 
have been detected by one practiced in the mysteries of the 
toilet. Head, feet, arms, hands, bust, and drapery, were all 
in harmony, as female attire was then deemed attractive and 
harmonious ; and the end she aimed at, that of imposing on 
the uninstructed senses of the savages, by causing them to 
believe their guest was a woman of rank and importance, 
might well have succeeded with those whose habits had taught 
them to discriminate between persons. 

The effect of such an apparition had not been miscalculated. 
The instant Judith found herself within the circle, she 
was, in a degree, compensated 1 for the fearful personal risk 
she ran, by the unequivocal sensation of surprise and admi- 
ration produced by her appearance. The grim old warriors 
uttered their favorite exclamation, “ Hugh ! ” The younger 
men were still more sensibly overcome, and even the women 
were not backward in letting open manifestations of pleasure 
escape them. The rare personal beauty of Judith added to 
the effect produced by the hues of her attire, which did not 
fail to adorn that beauty in a way which surpassed even the 
hopes of its wearer. 

“Which of these warriors is the principal chief?” de- 
manded Judith of Deerslayer, as soon as she found it was 
expected that she would open the communication; “my 
errand is too important to be delivered to ary of inferior 
rank. First explain to the Hurons what I say ; then give 
an answer to the question I have put.” 

1 repaid ; made amends for. 


DEERSLAYER’S TORTURE AND RESCUE. 


145 


Deerslayer quietly complied, his auditors greedily listening 
to the interpretation of the first words that fell from so ex- 
traordinary a vision. Rivenoak gave an appropriate reply, 
by presenting himself before his fair visitor in a way to leave no 
doubt that he was entitled to all the consideration he claimed. 

“ Let the Flower of the Woods speak,” said the old chief, 
courteously. 

Smiling involuntarily, or in spite of her wish to seem re- 
served, she proceeded in her plot. 

“Now, Huron/' she continued, “listen to my words. Your 
eyes tell you that I am no common woman. I will not say I 
am queen of this country ; she is afar off, in a distant land ; 
but under our gracious monarchs there are many degrees of 
rank ; one of these I fill. What that rank is precisely it is 
unnecessary for me to say, since you would not understand 
it. For that information you must trust to your eyes. You 
see what I am ; you must feel that in listening to my words 
you listen to one who can be your friend or your enemy, as 
you treat her." 

This was well uttered, with a due attention to manner and 
a steadiness of tone that was really surprising, considering all 
the circumstances of the case. It was well though simply 
rendered into the Indian dialect, too, and it was received 
with a respect and gravity that augured favorably for the 
girl's success. Judith waited with anxiety to hear the answer, 
filled with hope even while she doubted. 

“ My daughter is handsomer than the wild roses of On- 
tario ; her voice is pleasant to the ear as the song of the wren," 
answered the cautious and wily chief, who of all the band 
stood alone in not being fully imposed on by the magnificent 
and unusual appearance of JucRth; but who distrusted even 
while he wondered. “ The humming-bird is not much larger 
than the bee ; yet its feathers are as gay as the tail of the 
peacock. The Great Spirit sometimes puts very bright clothes 
on very little animals. x Still, he covers the moose with coarse 


146 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


hair. These things are beyond the understanding of poor 
Indians, who can only comprehend what they see and hear. 
No doubt my daughter has a very large wigwam somewhere 
about the lake ; the Hurons have not found it on account of 
their ignorance.” 

“ I have told you, chief, that it would be useless to state 
my rank and residence, inasmuch as you would not compre- 
hend them. You must trust your eyes for this knowledge ; 
what red-man is there that cannot see ? This blanket that I 
wear is not the blanket of a common squaw ; these ornaments 
are such as the wives and daughters of chiefs only appear in. 
Now listen, and hear why I have come alone among your 
people, and hearken to the errand that has brought me here. 
The Yengeese have young men as well as the Hurons ; and 
plenty of them too; this you will know.” 

“ The Yengeese are as plenty as the leaves on the trees ! 
This every Huron knows and feels.” 

“Had I brought a party with me,” she replied, “it might 
have caused trouble. My young men and your young men 
would have looked angrily at each other; especially had my 
young men seen that pale-face bound for the tortures. He is 
a great hunter, and is much loved by all the garrisons, far and 
near. There would have been blows about him, and the 
trail of the Iroquois back to the Canadas would have been 
marked with blood.” 

“There is so much blood on it, now,” returned the chief, 
gloomily, <f that it blinds our eyes. My young men see that 
it is all Huron. This hunter cannot quit my young men 
now ; they wish to know if he is as stout-hearted as he boasts 
himself to be.” 

“That I deny, Huron,” * interrupted Deerslayer with 
warmth ; “ yes, that I downright deny. I may be humble 
and misfortunate, and your prisoner ; but I’m no boaster by 
my very gifts.” 

“ My young pale-face boasts he is no boaster,” returned 


deerslayer’s torture and rescue. 


147 


the crafty chief ; “ he must be right. 1 hear a strange bird 
singing. It has very rich feathers. No Huron ever before 
saw such feathers ! They will be ashamed to go back to their 
village and tell their people that they let their prisoner go on 
account of the song of this strange bird, and not be able to 
give the name of the bird. This would be a great disgrace ; 
my young men would not be allowed to travel in the woods 
without taking their mothers with them to tell them the 
names of the birds ! ” 

“ You may ask my name of your prisoner,” returned the 
girl. “ It is Judith ; and there is a great deal of the history 
of Judith in the pale-face’s best book, the Bible.” 

“ No,” answered the wily Huron, betraying the artifice he 
had so long practiced, by speaking in English, with tolerable 
accuracy ; “ I not ask prisonar. He tired ; he want rest. I 
ask my daughter with feeble mind. She speak truth. 
Come here, daughter ; you answer. Your name Hetty ? ” 

“ Yes, that’s what they call me ; though it’s written Esther 
in the Bible.” 

“ All write in Bible. No matter — what her name ? ” 

“ That’s Judith, and it’s so written in the Bible, though 
father sometimes called her Jude. That’s my sister Judith, 
Thomas Hutter’s daughter.” 

A smile of triumph gleamed on the hard, wrinkled coun- 
tenance of the chief, when he found how completely his ap- 
peal to the truth-loving Hetty had succeeded. As for Ju- 
dith herself, the moment her sister was questioned, she saw 
that all was lost ; for no sign or even entreaty could have in- 
duced the right-feeling girl to utter a falsehood. 

When Bivenoak faced the captive again, it was with an 
altered countenance. He had abandoned the wish of saving 
him, and was no longer disposed to retard 1 the more serious 
part of the torture. This change of sentiment was, in effect, 
communicated to the young men, who were already eagerly 

\ hinder. 


148 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


engaged in making their preparations for the contemplated 1 
scene. Fragments of dried wood were rapidly collected near 
the sapling 2 — the splinters which it was intended to thrust 
into the flesh of the victim previous to lighting were all col- 
lected, and the thongs were already produced that were again 
to bind him to the tree. The fire was lighted in the pile, 
and the end of all was anxiously expected. 

It was not the intention of the Hurons absolutely to de- 
stroy the life of their victim by means of fire. They designed 
merely to put his physical fortitude to the severest proofs it 
could endure short of that extremity. In the end, they fully 
intended to carry his scalp with them into their village, but 
it was their wish first to break down his resolution, and to 
reduce him to the level of a complaining sufferer. The 
flames began to wave their forked tongues in proximity 3 to 
the face of the victim that would have proved fatal in another 
instant, had not Hetty rushed through the crowd, armed 
with a stick, and scattered the blazing pile in a dozen direc- 
tions. 

“ God bless you, dearest sister, for that brave and ready 
act ! ” murmured Judith, herself unnerved so much as to be 
incapable of exertion. 

te ’Twas well meant, Judith,” said the victim ; “ Twas ex- 
cellently meant, and Twas timely, though it may prove on- 
timely in the end ! ” 

A gesture from Rivenoak caused the scattered brands to be 
collected ; fresh wood was brought, even the women and chil- 
dren busying themselves in the gathering of dried sticks. 
The flame was just kindling a second time, when an Indian 
female pushed through the circle, advanced to the heap, and 
with her foot dashed aside the lighted twigs, in time to pre- 
vent the conflagration. A yell followed this second disap- 
pointment ; but when the offender turned toward the circle, 
and presented the countenance of Hist, it was succeeded by a 

1 intended, planned. 2 young tree. 3 nearness. 


deerslayer’s torture and rescue. 


149 


common exclamation of pleasure and surprise. Eivenoak 
now announced the intention of the old men again to pro- 
ceed. 

“Stop, Huron; stay, chiefs!” exclaimed Judith, scarce 
knowing what she said, or why she interposed , 1 unless to ob- 
tain time ; “for God’s sake, a minute longer ” 

The words were cut short by another and a still more ex- 
traordinary interruption. A young Indian came bounding 
through the Huron ranks, leaping into the very center of the 
circle, in a way to denote the utmost confidence, or a temer- 
ity 2 bordering on foolhardiness. Three leaps carried this 
warrior to the side of Deerslayer, whose withes were cut in 
the twinkling of an eye, with a quickness and precision that 
left the prisoner perfect master of his limbs. Not till this 
was effected did the stranger bestow a glance on any other 
object ; then he turned, and showed the astonished Hurons 
the noble brow, fine person, and eagle eye of a young war- 
rior in the paint and panoply 3 of a Delaware. He held a 
rifle in each hand, the butts of both resting on the earth, 
while from one dangled its proper pouch and horn. This 
was Killdeer. The presence of two armed men, though it was 
in their midst, startled the Hurons. Their rifles were scat- 
tered about against the different trees, and their only wea- 
pons were their knives and tomahawks. Still, they had too 
much self-possession to betray fear. It was little likely that 
so small a force would assail so strong a band; and each man 
expected some extraordinary proposition to succeed so de- 
cisive 4 a step. The stranger did not seem disposed to disap- 
point them ; he prepared to speak. 

“Hurons,” he said, “this earth is very big. The great 
lakes 5 are big, too ; there is room beyond them for the Iro- 
quois ; there is room for the Delaware on this side. I am 
Ohingachgook, the son of ITncas, the kinsman of Tamenund. 

1 attempted to stay their proceedings. 4 final and important. 

2 rashness. 5 Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, 

3 armed dress and decorations. and Ontario. 


150 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


This is my betrothed ; that pale-face is my friend. My heart 
was heavy when I missed him ; I followed him to your camp, 
to see that no harm happened to him. All the Delaware 
girls are waiting for Wah; they wonder that she stays away 
so long. Come, let us say farewell, and go on our path/’ 

At this instant, a sound unusual to the woods was heard, 
and every Huron, male and female, paused to listen, with 
ears erect and faces filled with expectation. The sound was 
regular and heavy, as if the earth was struck with beetles. 
Objects became visible among the trees of the background, 
and a body of troops was seen advancing with measured 
tread. They came upon the charge, the scarlet of the king’s 
livery shining among the bright green foliage of the forests. 

The Hurons were taken at a fearful disadvantage. On 
three sides was the water, while their formidable and trained 
foes cut them off from flight on the fourth. Each warrior 
rushed for his arms, and then all on the point, man, woman, 
and child, eagerly sought the covers. In this scene of con- 
fusion and dismay, however, nothing could surpass the dis- 
cretion 1 and coolness of Deerslayer. His first care was to 
place Judith and Hist behind trees, and he then looked for 
Hetty; but she had been hurried away in a crowd of Huron 
women. This effected, he threw himself on a flank of the 
retiring Hurons, who were inclining off toward the southern 
margin of the point in the hope of escaping through the 
water. Deerslayer watched his opportunity, and finding two 
of his recent tormentors in a range, his rifle first broke the 
silence of the terrific scene. The bullet brought both down 
at one discharge. 

This drew a general fire from the Hurons, and the rifle and 
war-cry of the Serpent were heard in the clamor. Still the 
trained men returned no answering volley, the whoop and 
piece 2 of Hurry alone being heard on their side, if we except 
the short, prompt word of authority, and that heavy, mea- 

l prudence and good judgment. 2 here, rifle. 


DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 151 

sured, and menacing 1 tread. Presently, however, the shrieks, 
groans, and denunciations that usually accompany the use of 
the bayonet followed. The scene that succeeded was one of 
those of which so many have occurred, in which neither age 
nor sex forms an exemption to the lot of a savage warfare. 
Happily for the more tender-minded and the more timid, 
the trunks of the trees, the leaves, and the smoke had con- 
cealed much of that which passed ; and night shortly after 
drew its veil over the lake and the whole of that seemingly 
interminable wilderness, which may he said to have then 
stretched, with far and immaterial interruptions, from the 
banks of the Hudson to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. 
Our business carries us into the following day, when light 
returned upon the earth, as sunny and as smiling as if noth- 
ing extraordinary had occurred. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 

Whem the sun rose on the following morning, every sign 
of hostility and alarm had vanished from the basin of the 
Glimmerglass. Nothing was changed but the air of move- 
ment and life that prevailed in and around the castle. Here, 
indeed, was an alteration 2 that must have struck the least ob- 
servant eye. A sentinel, who wore the light-infantry uniform 
of a royal regiment, paced the platform with measured tread, 
and some twenty men of the same corps lounged about the 
place, or w T ere seated in the ark. Their arms were stacked un- 
der the eye of their comrade on post. Two officers stood ex- 
amining the shore with the ship’s glass so often mentioned. 
Their looks were directed to that fatal point where scarlet 


i threatening. 


2 change. 


152 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


coats were still to be seen gliding among the trees, and where 
the magnifying power of the instrument also showed spades at 
work, and the sad duty of interment 1 going on. Several of 
the men bore proofs on their persons that their enemies had 
not been overcome entirely without resistance, and the young- 
est of the two officers on the platform wore an arm in a sling. 
His companion, who commanded the party, had been more 
fortunate. He it was that used the glass in making the re- 
connaissances in which the two were engaged. 

When the assault was over, and the dead and wounded were 
collected, poor Hetty had been found among the latter. A 
rifle -bullet had passed through her body, inflicting an injury 
that was known at a glance to be mortal. How this wound 
was received, no one knew ; it was probably one of those cas- 
ualties 2 that ever accompany scenes like that related in the 
previous chapter. The Sumach, all the elderly women, and 
several of the Huron girls, had fallen by the bayonet; either 
in the confusion of the m61ee, 3 or from the difficulty of dis- 
tinguishing the sexes, where the dress was so simple. Much 
the greater portion of the warriors suffered on the spot. A 
few had escaped, however, and two or three had been taken 
unharmed. As for the wounded, the bayonet saved the sur- 
geon much trouble. Kivenoak escaped with life and limb ; 
but was injured and a prisoner. As Captain Warley and his 
ensign went into the ark, they passed him, seated in digni- 
fied silence, in one end of the scow, his head and leg bound, 
but betraying no visible signs of despondency or despair. 
That he mourned the loss of his tribe, is certain ; still he 
did it in a manner that best became a warrior and a chief. 

The two soldiers found their surgeon in the principal 
room of the ark. He was just quitting the pallet of Hetty, 
with an expression of sorrowful regret on his hard, pock- 
marked, Scottish features, that it was not usual to see there. 
All his assiduity had been useless, and he was compelled re- 

1 burial in the earth. 2 accidents, or unforeseen happenings. 3 hand-to-hand fight. 


DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 


153 


lucjtantly to abandon the expectation of seeing the girl sur- 
vive many hours. 

“ Here is an extraordinary exhibition for a forest, and one 
but half gifted with reason,” he observed, with a decided 
Scotch accent, as Warley and the ensign entered; “I just 
hope, gentlemen, that when we three shall be called on to 
quit the twenty — th, we may be found as resigned to go on 
the half-pay of another existence as this poor demented 
chiel ! ” 

Poor Hetty had been placed on her own simple bed, and 
was reclining in a half-seated attitude, with the approaches 
of death on her countenance, though they were singularly 
dimmed by the luster of an expression in which all the in- 
telligence of her entire being appeared to be concentrated. 
Judith and Hist were near her: the former seated in deep 
grief, the latter standing in readiness to offer any of the 
gentle attentions of feminine care. Deerslayer stood at the 
end of the pallet, leaning on Killdeer, unharmed in person ; 
all the fine martial ardor that had so lately glowed in his 
countenance having given place to the usual look of honesty 
and benevolence — qualities of which the expression was now 
softened by manly regret and pity. The Serpent was in the 
background of the picture, erect and motionless as a statue, 
but so observant that not a look of the eye escaped his own 
keen glance. Hurry completed the group ; being seated on 
a stool near the door, like one who felt himself out of place 
in such a scene, but who was ashamed to quit it unbidden. 

“ Who is that in scarlet ? ” asked Hetty, as soon as the 
captain’s uniform caught her eye. “Tell me, Judith, is it 
the friend of Hurry ? ” 

“ ’Tis the officer who commands the troops that have res- 
cued us all from the hands of the Hurons,” was the low an- 
swer of the sister. 

“Am I rescued, too ? I thought they said I was shot, and 
about to die. Mother is dead, and so is father ; but you are 


154 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


living, Judith, and so is Hurry. I was afraid Hurry would 
be killed when I heard him shouting among the soldiers/’ 

“ Never mind — never mind, Hetty,” interrupted Judith, 
“ Hurry is well, and Deer slayer is well, and the Delaware is 
well too.” 

“How came they to shoot a poor girl like me, and let so 
many men go unharmed ? I didn’t know that the Hurons 
were so wicked, Judith.” 

“ ’Twas an accident, poor Hetty ; a sad accident it has 
been! No one would willingly have injured you.” 

“I’m glad of that — I thought it strange; I am feeble- 
minded, and the red-men have never harmed me before. I 
should be sorry to think that they changed their minds. I 
am glad, too, Judith, that they haven’t hurt Hurry. Deer- 
slayer, I don’t think God will suffer any one to harm. It 
was very fortunate the soldiers came as they did though, for 
fire will burn ! ” 

Hetty could still distinguish large objects, and her look 
fastened on Captain Warley. 

“ Are you the officer that came with Hurry ? ” she asked. 
“If you are, we ought all to thank you; for, though I am 
hurt, the rest have saved their lives. Did Harry March tell 
you where to find us, and how much need there was for your 
services ? ” 

“ The news of the party reached us by means of a friendly 
runner,” returned the captain, glad to relieve his feelings by 
this appearance of a friendly communication; “and I was 
immediately sent out to cut it off. The Delaware saw us on 
the shore, with the glass, it would seem ; and he and Hist, 
as I find his squaw is named, did us excellent service. It 
was, really, altogether a fortunate concurrence of circum- 
stances.” 

Hetty bent her eyes toward the Bible, which she still held 
between her hands as one would cling to a casket of precious 
stones in a shipwreck or a conflagration. 


DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 


155 


“Don't grieve for me, Judith/' said the gentle sufferer, 
after a pause ; “ I shall soon see mother; I think I see her 
now ; her face’is just as sweet and smiling as it used to be! 
Perhaps when I'm dead, God will give me all my mind, and 
I shall become a more fitting companion for mother than I 
ever was before. How dark it's becoming ! Can it be 
night so soon ? I can hardly see you at all ; where is Hist ?" 

“ I here, poor girl ; why you no see me ? " 

“ I do see you ; but I couldn't tell whether 'twas you or 
Judith. I believe I sha'n't see you much longer, Hist." 

“ Sorry for that, poor Hetty. Never mind ; pale-face got 
a heaven for girl as well as for warrior." 

“ Where's the Serpent? Let me speak to him; give me 
his hand ; so ; I feel it. Delaware, you will love and cherish 
this young Indian woman ; I know how fond she is of you ; 
and you. must be fond of her . Don't treat her as some of 
your people treat their wives ; be a real husband to her. Now 
bring Deerslayer near me; give me his hand." 

This request was complied with, and the hunter stood by 
the side of the pallet, submitting to the wishes of the girl 
with the docility of a child. 

“I feel, Deerslayer," she resumed, “though I couldn't 
tell why — but I feel that you and I are not going to part 
forever. 'Tis a strange feeling ! I never had it before ; I 
wonder what it comes from ! " 

“'Tis God encouraging you in extremity, Hetty; as such 
it ought to be harbored and respected. Yes, we shall meet 
ag'in, though it may be a long time first, and in a far distant 
land." 

“Hurry is here, dearest Hetty," whispered her sister. 
“Shall I tell him to come and receive your good wishes ?" 

“Good-bye, Hurry," murmured the girl, with a gentle 
pressure of his hand. “ I wish you would try and be more 
like Deerslayer." 

These words were uttered with difficulty; a faint flush 


156 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


succeeded them for a single instant, then the hand was re- 
linquished, and Hetty turned her face aside as if done with 
the world. 

Thus died Hetty Hutter, one of those mysterious links 
between the material and immaterial world, which, while 
they appear to be deprived of so much that is esteemed and 
necessary for this state of being, draw so near to, and offer so 
beautiful an illustration of, the truth, purity, and simplicity 
of another. 

The day that followed proved to be melancholy, though 
one of much activity. The soldiers who had so lately been 
employed in interring their victims, were now called on to 
bury their own dead. Then came the last melancholy offices 
in honor of poor Hetty Hutter. Her body was laid in the 
lake, by the side of her mother. 

By order of the commanding officer, all retired early to rest, 
for it was intended to begin on the morrow the march home- 
ward with the return of light. One party indeed, bearing the 
wounded, the prisoners, and the trophies, had left the castle 
in the middle of the day, under the guidance of Hurry, in- 
tending to reach the fort by shorter marches. The rattling 
of the drum broke the silence of that tranquil water, and the 
echoes of the tattoo were heard among the mountains so soon 
after the ceremony was over, as to preclude the danger of in- 
terruption. That star which had been the guide of Hist, 
rose on a scene as silent as if the quiet of nature had never 
yet been disturbed by the labors or passions of man. One 
solitary sentinel, with his relief, paced the platform through- 
out the night ; and morning was ushered in, as usual, by the 
martial beat of the reveille . 1 

Military precision had now succeeded to the desultory pro- 
ceedings of border men, and when a hasty and frugal break- 
fast was taken, the party began its movement towards the 
shore, with a regularity and order that prevented noise or 

1 morning drum-call or awakening. 


DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 


157 


confusion. The soldiers embarked in the ark, with the cap- 
tain at their head. 

When all were on hoard, the sweeps were manned, and the 
ark moved in its sluggish manner towards the distant point. 
Deerslayer and Chingachgook now lifted two of the canoes 
from the water, and placed them in the castle. The windows 
and doors were then barred, and the house was left by means 
of the trap. In quitting the palisades. Hist was seen in the 
remaining canoe, where the Delaware immediately joined her, 
and paddled away, leaving Judith standing alone on the 
platform. Owing to this prompt proceeding, Deerslayer 
found himself alone with the beautiful and still weeping 
mourner. The young man swept the light boat round, and 
received its mistress in it, when he followed the course taken 
by his friend. The direction to the point led diagonally past, 
and at no great distance from, the graves of the dead. As the 
canoe glided by, Judith, for the first time that morning, 
spoke to her companion. She said but little ; merely utter- 
ing a simple request to stop, for a minute or two, ere she left 
the place. 

44 I may never see this spot again, Deerslayer,’’ she said, 
44 and it contains the bodies of my mother and sister! This 
lake will soon be entirely deserted, and this, too, at a moment 
when it will be a more secure dwelling-place than ever. What 
has so lately happened will prevent the Iroquois from ventur- 
ing again to visit it for a long time to come.” 

44 That it will — yes, that may be set down as settled. I 
do not mean to pass this-a-way ag’in so long as the war lasts, 
for, to my mind, no Huron moccasin will leave its print on 
the leaves of this forest until their traditions have forgotten 
to tell their young men of their disgrace and rout.” 

44 Do you really love war, Deerslayer, better than the hearth 
and the affections ? ” 

44 1 understand your meaning, gal; yes, I do understand 
what you mean, I believe, though I don’t think you alto- 


158 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


gether understand me. Warrior I may now call myself, I 
suppose, for I’ve both fou’t and conquered, which is suffi- 
cient for the name ; neither will I deny that Fve feelings for 
the callin’, which is both manful and honorable, when carried 
on according to nat’ral gifts — but I’ve no relish for blood. 
Youth is youth, hows’ever, and a Mingo is a Mingo. If the 
young men of this region stood by and suffered the vagabonds 
to overrun the land, why, we might as well all turn Frenchers 
at once, and give up country and kin. I’m no fire-eater, 
Judith, or one that likes fightin’ for fightin’s sake; but I 
can see no great difference atween givin’ up territory afore a 
war, out of a dread of war, and givin’ it up a’ter a war, be- 
cause we can’t help it — onless it be that the last is the most 
manful and honorable.” 

After a short time, Judith herself dropped the end of her 
paddle, and urged the canoe away from the spot, with a move- 
ment as reluctant as the feelings which controlled it. Deer- 
slayer quietly aided the effort, and they were soon on the 
trackless line taken by the Delaware. 

As neither labored hard at the paddle, the ark had already 
arrived and the soldiers had disembarked before the canoe of 
the two loiterers reached the point. Chingachgook had pre- 
ceded it, and was already some distance in the wood, at a spot 
where the two trails, that of the garrison, and that to the vil- 
lages of the Delawares, separated. The soldiers, too, had 
taken up their line of march, first setting the ark adrift again, 
with a reckless disregard of its fate. All this Judith saw; 
but she heeded it not. The Glimmerglass had no longer any 
charms for her, and when she put foot on the strand, she im- 
mediately proceeded on the trail of the soldiers, signing an 
adieu to Deerslayer and then burying herself in the woods. 

Deerslayer returned to the Delaware, and that night the 
three “ camped” on the head waters of their own river, and 
the succeeding evening they entered the village of the tribe ; 
Chingachgook and his betrothed in triumph; Deerslayer 


DEERSLAYER LEAVES THE GLIMMERGLASS. 


159 


honored and admired, but in a sorrow that it required months 
of activity to remove. 

The war that then had its rise was stirring and bloody. 
The Delaware chief rose among his people, until his name 
was never mentioned without eulogiums 1 ; while another 
Uncas, the last of his race, was added to the long line of 
warriors who bore that distinguished appellation. As for the 
Deerslayer, under the sobriquet of Hawkeye, he made his 
fame spread far and near, until the crack of his rifle became 
as terrible to the ears of the Mingos as the thunders of the 
Manitou. His services were soon required by the officers of 
the crown, and he especially attached himself in the field to 
one in particular, with whose after-life he had a close and 
important connection. 

Fifteen years had passed away ere it was in the power of 
the Deerslayer to revisit the Glimmerglass. A peace had in- 
tervened, and it was on the eve of another and still more im- 
portant war, when he and his constant friend, Chingachgook, 
were hastening to the forts to join their allies. A stripling 
accompanied them, for Hist already slumbered beneath the 
pines of the Delawares, and the three survivors had now be- 
come inseparable. They reached the lake just as the sun was 
setting. Here all was unchanged; the river still rushed 
through the bower of trees; the little rock was wasting 
away by the slow action of the waves in the course of cen- 
turies ; the mountains stood in their native dress, dark, rich, 
and mysterious ; while the sheet glistened in its solitude, a 
beautiful gem of the forest. 

The following morning the youth discovered one of the 
canoes drifted on the shore, in a state of decay. A little 
labor put it in a state for service, and they all embarked, 
with a desire to examine the place. All the points were 
passed, and Chingachgook pointed out to his son the spot 

l speeches or writings commending the character or worth of an individual. 


160 


THE DEERSLAYER. 


where the Hurons had first encamped, and the point whence 
he had succeeded in stealing his bride. Here they even 
landed; but all traces of the former visit had disappeared. 
Next they proceeded to the scene of the battle, and there 
they found the signs that linger around such localities. 
Uncas regarded all with reverence and pity, though tradi- 
tions were already rousing his young mind to the ambition 
and sternness of a warrior. 

From the point the canoe took its way toward the shoal, 
where the remains of the castle were still visible, a pictur- 
esque ruin. The storms of winter had long since unroofed 
the house, and decay had eaten into the logs. The ark was 
discovered stranded on the eastern shore, where it had long 
before been driven, with the prevalent northwest winds. 

From all these signs it was probable the lake had not been 
visited since the occurrence of the final scene of our tale. 
Accident or tradition had rendered it again a spot sacred 
to nature; the frequent wars, and the feeble population of 
the colonies, still confining the settlements within narrow 
boundaries. Cliingachgook and his friend — Iiawkeye, as he 
was now called — left the spot with melancholy feelings. It 
had been the region of their First War-Path, and it carried 
back the minds of both to scenes of tenderness as well as to 
hours of triumph. They held their way toward the Mohawk 
in silence, however, to rush into new adventures as stirring 
and as remarkable as those which had attended their open- 
ing on this lovely lake. At a later day they returned to the 
place, where the Indian found a grave. 


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